1921 San Diego East-West Christmas Classic

The 1921 San Diego East-West Christmas Classic was a college football postseason bowl game between the Centre Praying Colonels and the Arizona Wildcats. The Colonels beat the Wildcats 38-0 in the first ever Christmas Classic.

Background

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion Centre was undefeated going into this game. Their upset over Harvard is considered one of the greatest upsets in college history. Arizona was in their first bowl game, led by Harold "Nosey" McClellan and his 124 points during the scoring.^[1]

Game summary

Red Roberts scored the first touchdown five minutes into the match. Bo McMillin went over the right tackle for another score. Centre led 18-0 at the half as Arizona was held to no first downs in two quarters of play. Arizona made an attempt to drive towards a score, but Centre intercepted an Arizona pass to keep the game scoreless. Centre's potent attack and relentless defense stifled the Wildcats. Herb Covington scored on a punt return and a sweep to seal the victory.^[2]

Aftermath

Centre would play in the 1922 Dixie Classic a week later, but lose in the game that started the 12th man tradition. This was Centre's final bowl win. Arizona would have to wait until 1949 to make another bowl game and 1986 to win one.

References

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