1981 Orange Bowl
| MVP | QB J. C. Watts Oklahoma DE Jarvis Coursey (Florida State) |
|---|---|
The 1981 Orange Bowl was a postseason college football bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Florida State Seminoles.
Background
Oklahoma was champion of the Big Eight Conference for the eighth consecutive year, and this was their fifth Orange Bowl appearance in six seasons. Florida State was in the Orange Bowl for the second straight year.
Game summary
Ricky Williams scored first for the Seminoles on a touchdown run in the second half, and Oklahoma countered with a field goal by Mike Keeling before halftime. David Overstreet capitalized on a 78-yard kickoff return with his four-yard run to give the Sooners a 10–7 lead. A field goal by Bill Capece tied the game as the third quarter ended. Bobby Butler recovered a botched punt and recovered in the end zone to give the Seminoles a 17–10 lead. With 3:19 remaining, Oklahoma's fate lied in the hands of J. C. Watts, who had turned the ball over three times previously. He led the team on a 78-yard drive, culminating with a touchdown pass to Steve Rhodes with 1:33 remaining. Oklahoma decided to risk it all, and Watts threw a pass to Forrest Valora in the end zone for the two point conversion to give them the lead. Florida State tried to counter back, but Capece's 62 yard field goal fell short, and the Sooners were victorious.[1]
Aftermath
Florida State did not return to the Orange Bowl until 1993. Oklahoma returned in 1985.
Statistics
| Statistics | Oklahoma | Florida State |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 18 | 23 |
| Yards Rushing | 156 | 212 |
| Yards Passing | 128 | 51 |
| Total Yards | 184 | 263 |
| Punts-Average | 2-37.0 | 4-42.5 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 7-5 | 1-0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties-Yards | 4-32 | 5-58 |