Ep 30. 1996 Super Bowl XXX: Dallas Cowboys Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- January 28, 1996
In the 30th episode of the first season of Super Bowl Highlights, viewers are taken back to January 28, 1996, for Super Bowl XXX. The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against each other in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium.
The episode begins by introducing the two teams and their paths to the Super Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys were led by head coach Barry Switzer and had a talented roster that included quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin. On the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers were led by head coach Bill Cowher and featured a strong defense anchored by linebacker Kevin Greene and defensive end Greg Lloyd.
Viewers are then taken through the highlights of the game, starting with the opening kickoff. Both teams come out strong, with solid defense and explosive offense. Dallas strikes first with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Aikman to tight end Jay Novacek. The Steelers respond with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Bam Morris.
The game remains close throughout the second quarter, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals. However, a critical moment comes just before halftime. With the score tied at 14-14, Pittsburgh has the ball on their own 32-yard line with only 26 seconds left in the half. Quarterback Neil O'Donnell throws a pass intended for wide receiver Andre Hastings, but it is intercepted by Dallas cornerback Larry Brown. Brown returns the ball 33 yards to the Pittsburgh 6-yard line, setting up a touchdown pass from Aikman to Irvin on the very next play.
The second half sees Dallas take control of the game. The defense shuts down Pittsburgh's offense, and Smith rushes for a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter to extend the lead to 28-17. Pittsburgh tries to mount a comeback, but O'Donnell throws his second interception of the game, this time to linebacker Darren Woodson.
The episode ends with highlights from the postgame celebration, including the presentation of the Super Bowl MVP award to Larry Brown. It's a bittersweet moment for Brown since he'll be leaving Dallas that offseason as a free agent.
Overall, the 1996 Super Bowl XXX between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers was a classic matchup between two talented teams. The episode does a great job of capturing the excitement and drama of the game, and it's a must-watch for any football fan.