Remarkably, despite Lopasky's outstanding performance, the title of Tangerine Bowl MVP was awarded to UH quarterback Billy Roland. Miami entered the game with an impressive 8-1-1 record, making the Cougars' resounding victory all the more astonishing.
When questioned about the magnitude of the upset, Bill Yeoman emphatically declared, "Absolutely! We were well aware that Miami was a superior team."
This game holds a unique historical significance as it marked the inaugural televised appearance for the University of Houston. It was broadcast to regional audiences in the Southwest and Midwest, setting the stage for the Cougars' first national broadcast in 1965, which took place in the iconic Astrodome.
Background
In his 7th (and final) season at Miami, Pont led the Redskins to their first bowl game since 1951. After serving as an assistant coach for eight seasons at Michigan State, Yeoman had been hired to coach Houston in 1962. He led them to their first bowl game since 1952.
Game summary
Miami – Myers 9-yard touchdown pass from Ernie Kellerman (Jenckskick), 9:08 remaining in the 1st quarter
Houston – Joe Lopasky 3-yard touchdown run (McMillan kick), 2:14 remaining in the 1st quarter
Houston – Bobby Brezina 1-yard touchdown run (McMillan kick), 11:40 remaining in the 2nd quarter
Houston – Bobby Brezina 44-yard touchdown pass from Roland (McMillan kick), 5:51 remaining in the 2nd quarter
Houston – Joe Lopasky 70 punt yard touchdown return (McMillan kick), 3:58 remaining in the 2nd quarter
Houston – Bill McMillan 4-yard touchdown pass from Billy Roland (McMillan kick), 0:18 remaining in the 2nd quarter
Miami – Ernie Kellerman 1-yard touchdown run (Jenckskick), 4:50 remaining in the 3rd quarter
Houston – Joe Lopasky 4-yard touchdown run (McMillan kick), 1:14 remaining in the 3rd quarter
Miami – Neumeier 11-yard touchdown run (Jenckskick), 12:14 remaining in the 4th quarter
Houston – Joe Lopasky 14-yard touchdown pass from Billy Roland (McMillan kick), 6:15 remaining in the 4th quarter
Billy Roland threw 11-of-17 for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns, and Joe Lopasky caught 3 passes for 81 yards while scoring four touchdowns, with Roland being named MVP of the game.[1][3]
Aftermath
Pont left for Yale after the game ended. Miami (despite winning the MAC in 1965) would not be in a bowl game until 1973. Houston would soon utilize the Veer offense near the end of the decade, particularly in their next bowl game in 1969.
^"History: Bowl Recaps". 2010 Houston Cougars Football Media Almanac(PDF). Houston, Texas: University of Houston Department of Athletics. 2010. p. 86. Archived from the original(PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
