1988 Game Recap / Allstate Sugar Bowl

54th Annual Sugar Bowl Classic ~ January 1, 1988
#4 Syracuse 16 (Final: 11-0-1, #4)
#6 Auburn 16 (Final: 9-1-3, #7)

When SEC power Auburn and upstart Syracuse met in the 54th USF&G Sugar Bowl, the result was a frantic finish and the first tie in Sugar Bowl history. With his team trailing 16-13 late in the game, Auburn quarterback Jeff Burger moved the Tigers 62 yards to set up a 30-yard field goal attempt with time running out. Kicker Win Lyle then promptly delivered his third successful three-pointer of the afternoon for the SEC champions to force the tie. That drive came immediately after a similar push headed by Syracuse quarterback Don McPherson. On that possession, the game's "Most Outstanding" player completed 4-of-5 passes for 45 yards to set up Tim Vesling's 32-yard field goal which gave the Orangemen a 16-13 lead with 2:04 left.

Louisiana Superdome
Att: 76,496

Syracuse 0 7 3 6 - 16
Auburn 7 3 0 6 - 16

SCORING SUMMARY
Aub: Tillman 17-yard pass from Burger (Lyle kick)
Syr: Glover 12-yard pass from McPherson (Vesling kick)
Aub: Lyle 40-yard field goal
Syr: Vesling 27-yard field goal
Aub: Lyle 41-yard field goal
Syr: Vesling 32-yard field goal
Syr: Vesling 38-yard field goal
Aub: Lyle 30-yard field goal

Auburn	Team Stats	Syracuse
14	First Downs	23
22-41	Rushing	55-174
25-34-1	Passing	11-21-0
229	Passing Yards	140
56-270	Total Offense	76-314
6-44.8	Punts	5-35.6
1-0	Fumbles-Lost	2-0
5-43	Penalties-Yds	2-20

Rushing
AU: Danley 13-42
Syr.: Drummond 17-82; Johnston 14-50

Passing
AU: Burger 24-33-1, 171 yards, 1 TD
Syr.: McPherson 11-21-0, 140 yards, 1 TD

Receiving
AU: Tillman 6-125, 1 TD; Danley, 7-34
Syr.: Glover 6-91, 1 TD; Kane 2-30

Miller-Digby Award recipient: Don McPherson, Syracuse quarterback