University of Memphis Tiger football fan experience. The virtual guide contains photos, videos, bios and information about the Memphis football team.
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/37350
burley bowl 1956 In November of 1956, Memphis State College received its second bowl bid in school history, but this time University offi cials accepted the invitation, and the team traveled to East Tennessee to participate in its fi rst post-season event. Th e Tigers faced East Tennessee State College at Memorial Stadium in Johnson City, Tenn., on November 22 and earned a 32-12 victory. Memphis broke open the game in the third quarter with 20 points aſt er being held to six in the fi rst half. Seven hundred fans on a frigid Th anksgiving aſt ernoon witnessed Eddie Gebara score two third quarter rushing touchdowns, including a 64-yard run that ga ve the Tigers a 26-6 lead. Memphis State fi nished the season with a 5-4-1 record, while East Tennessee State College dropped to 4-5 on the year. Memphis had originally received its fi rst bowl invitation in 1938 to play in the Prune Bowl in California and asked bowl offi cials for a fi nancial guarantee to help cover the cost of transporting the squad across country. When the guarantee did not come through, Memphis opted to stay home. Halfb ack Andy Nelson served as team co-captain and helped the 1956 Tiger Football team to its fi rst post-season victory in the Burley Bowl. 56 2010 Memphis Football Experience 1956 Burley Bowl Memphis State College 32 East Tennessee State 12 MORE Memorial Stadium (8,000) November 22, 1956