Michigan in the Sugar Bowl: It Was Bo vs. Bo in 1984

It's been 28 years since the Wolverines played in their first and only Sugar Bowl.

The 9-7 Auburn victory was overshadowed by a pair of famous Bo's.

Auburn's Bo Jackson failed to score a touchdown that night, but went on to win the Heisman Trophy in 1985, was named to the NFL Pro Bowl in 1990, and earned a spot on the MLB All-Star team in 1989.

That's right, Bo Jackson thrilled fans in both the National Football League and Major League Baseball.

Unfortunately a debilitating hip injury ended his football career and cut short his baseball career.

Jackson's talents were often caught on film. He made several outstanding fielding plays and hit many tape-measure homers. His speed was once captured at a NFL Combine where he posted a 4.12 in the 40 (via USA Today).

And on a Monday Night football game, The 6'1", 225-lb Jackson rushed for 221 yards, including a 91-yard scamper.

Carlton Fisk, one of baseball's truly fine catchers, called Jackson "...the most talented athlete ever."

Although Bo Schembechler was not known for his athletic prowess, he was quite a football coach.

From 1969 though 1989, all he did was win.

During that time, Schembechler's Michigan teams won 13 Big Ten championships, made 17 Bowl appearances and never had a losing season. Schembechler's record in the 1970s (96-16-3), was the best in major college football.

The 1984 Sugar Bowl matched two teams with slightly different styles. Michigan's Steve Smith was a definite dual-threat quarterback, while Auburn's Randy Campbell ran the wishbone but rarely threw.

In the first quarter Michigan (9-3) scored the game's only touchdown on a four-yard rollout by Smith, but was shutout the rest of the way.

Jackson's rushing output of 130 yards on 22 carries helped Auburn (11-1) wear down the Wolverines, but the Tigers never crossed the Michigan goal line.

Instead they settled for three Al Del Greco field goals, the last being the game winner with 27 seconds left.

Auburn finished third in the final AP poll, and Michigan finished eighth.