Bobby Wilson

Bio

In 1935 a Rose Bowl bid came down to a contest between TCU and SMU. Mustang halfback Bobby Wilson provided the difference. It was fourth down and four yards to go in the final quarter, the score tied at 14-14. Southern Methodist lined-up in kick formation at the Texas Christian 37-yard line. Unexpectedly, Bob Finley broke from his punting stance and lofted a long pass toward the goal as Wilson raced across the chalk lines. He grabbed the falling football on the four, and tumbled into the end zone for the score that gave SMU a 20-14 victory. With its Rose Bowl appearance, SMU gained $85,000 in revenue - the exact amount needed to pay off the mortgage on the new SMU Stadium. Thus, Wilson's TD catch became known as the $85,000 touchdown. At 147-pounds, Bobby was one of the game's top little men, an All-America choice in both 1934 and 1935. Coached by Ray Morrison and Matty Bell, his long runs from scrimmage, his punt and kickoff returns and his team leadership not only helped SMU to a 12-game winning streak.. In 1934, Bobby led the Southwest Conference in scoring (48 points), then repeated the feat with 72 points in 1935, when SMU won the Southwest Conference Championship.

Career Highlights

• 1935 All-Conference
• 1935 Conference MVP
• 1935 Consensus All-America
• 1934 First Team All-America
• 1933 All-Conference