A Thrilling Comeback in El Paso
The 2006 Sun Bowl took place in El Paso, Texas, where the 25th‑ranked Oregon State Beavers faced the Missouri Tigers in a contest that would later be remembered as one of the most dramatic bowl games of the mid‑2000s.
Missouri drew first blood, marching 80 yards in just 3:30 to open a 7‑0 lead, but the Beavers answered with a long scoring drive that tied the game at seven.
At halftime the Tigers held a 17‑14 advantage after a 78‑yard touchdown pass, and early in the third quarter Oregon State surged ahead following a successful onside kick recovery.
The lead swung back and forth, with Missouri extending their margin to 31‑21 on a 66‑yard run by Tony Temple, only for the Beavers to cut the deficit with a field goal in the fourth quarter.
A trick‑play touchdown pass from Chase Coffman put Missouri back on top, but the Beavers mounted a late rally, culminating in a touchdown with 6:02 remaining on the clock.
Sammie Stroughter’s 38‑yard kickoff return set up the final drive, and quarterback Matt Moore delivered a crucial hitch‑route pass that set up the game‑tying score.
With just 1:24 left, Oregon State needed a touchdown; Joe Newton’s reception capped the drive, and head coach Mike Riley elected to go for a two‑point conversion.
Yvenson Bernard converted the attempt, sealing a 39‑38 victory that highlighted the team's resilience and strategic daring.