Arkansas 31, Georgia 10
Arkansas struggled between 1972-74, going 17-14-2 and failing to reach a bowl game (the longest drought under coach Frank Broyles). But the three-year run without a postseason trip ended in 1975, when the Razorbacks closed the regular season with five straight wins to grab a share of the Southwest Conference title and earn an invitation to play Georgia in the 1976 Cotton Bowl.
The Razorbacks were in trouble early, spotting the Bulldogs a 10-0 lead in front of what was then a record-crowd of 77,500 in the Cotton Bowl. But Arkansas rallied late in the first half behind its defense. Linebacker Hal McAfee recovered a fumble at the Georgia 15, leading to Steve Little’s 39-yard field goal. McAfee fell on a loose ball once again on the next possession and running back Ike Forte scored on a 1-yard run two plays later to tie the game just before halftime.
The teams remained tied until the fourth quarter, when Arkansas’ run game produced three more touchdowns (Rolland Fuchs, Michael Forrest and Forte) to push past the Bulldogs. Forte was named the game’s most outstanding offensive player after rushing for 119 of Arkansas’ 235 rushing yards with two touchdowns. McAfee was named outstanding defensive player after recording 12 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
The game was Arkansas’ last trip to Dallas under Broyles, who finished 2-2 in the Cotton Bowl. It also was the last of Arkansas’ 10 bowl trips (including nine New Year’s Day games) under Broyles. He retired from coaching after one more season — his 19th — in 1976.
— Sources: Arkansas and the Cotton Bowl