|
In Super Bowl XX, former SMU cornerback Reggie Phillips picked off New England's Steve Grogan and returned it for a touchdown, helping lead Chicago to a Super Bowl Crown. A year earlier, Phillips was patrolling the defensive backfield for the Ponies. On opening day of the 1984 season against Louisville, Phillips picked off a pass and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown making it one of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History.
At the beginning of the 1984 season, SMU was coming off of a disappointing loss to Alabama in the 1983 Sun Bowl. Not only was this the first game of a new season but also the beginning of a new era - the first game without any member of the original Pony Express trio. The Ponies were looking to start the new season off right when they headed to Louisville.
SMU dominated the game from start to finish as the Ponies jumped out to an early lead behind the running of Reggie Dupard. But the story of this game was how SMU's defense terrorized the Cardinals offense. With Louisville driving, Phillips picked off a pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. It was an exclamation point for a game where SMU pounded Louisville 41-7 en route to their third SWC title in four seasons.
Phillips went on to be selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2nd Round( 49th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. Before he became part of Super Bowl history, Phillips made history at SMU. His 100 yard interception return in 1984 comes in at No. 88 of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History.
|