The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association celebrated Black History Month via its website and social media platforms. This year's celebration recognized a seminal moment in Cotton Bowl Classic history. This year marks 75 years since the 12th Classic in 1948 featured the first integrated football game in Texas and the second integrated football game in the south between Penn State and SMU.
 
Penn State's Wallace Triplett and Dennis Hoggard made history and changed the landscape of college football on January 1, 1948, becoming the first two Black players to play in the Classic. Triplett scored a touchdown in the game, while Hoggard almost caught the game-winning score in the 13-13 tie with the Mustangs.

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The #GoodyearCottonBowl Classic salutes #BlackHistoryMonth.

We strive to be #LikeNoOther in our community and create an inclusive culture that welcomes everyone to come together in fellowship, football & fun. pic.twitter.com/0v1i44dgMD

— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) February 1, 2023

Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth

This year marks 75 years since the 12th Cotton Bowl Classic in 1948 featured the first integrated football game in Texas and the second in the south between @PennStateFB & @SMUFB.#LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/ETxDdBEYsZ

— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) February 6, 2023

#BlackHistoryMonth@PennStateFB's Wally Triplett & Dennie Hoggard made history in 1948. History that changed the landscape of the Cotton Bowl Classic & college football. Triplett scored in the game, while Hoggard almost caught the GW score in the tie with SMU.#LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/1nUZ5bQ1C3

— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) February 13, 2023

Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth

Cotton Bowl Classic matchup in 1948 required unity, not only within the @PennStateFball team but also from @SMUFB head coach Matty Bell.

Fun Fact: PSU's Wally Triplett & SMU's Doak Walker would go on to be teammates in the @NFL.#LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/UbVA1UDLyE

— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) February 20, 2023