Patrick Batteaux, who never turned professional in football, achieved a remarkable feat during his college career. On December 31, 1998, he led Texas Christian University (TCU) to an unexpected victory over USC in the Sun Bowl. This game, which saw TCU enter as 16-point underdogs, marked a significant turning point for the university’s football program.
TCU’s Historic Sun Bowl Victory
The Sun Bowl showcased TCU’s surprising rise. Batteaux, playing quarterback for the entire season after a transition from wide receiver, completed four out of five passes during the game. TCU established an early lead, going up 21-0 against a USC team featuring future NFL stars, including Carson Palmer, a future Heisman Trophy winner. By the end of the game, TCU triumphed 28-19.
Impact on TCU Football
- This victory was TCU’s first bowl win since the 1956 Cotton Bowl.
- The game was instrumental in the resurgence of TCU football after years of struggles.
- The win helped lay the groundwork for future successful seasons under different quarterbacks.
Batteaux, now 47 and residing in Dallas, reflects on that day with fondness, noting that it remains one of the top moments in his life. At the time, TCU’s coach, Dennis Franchione, had confidence in the team’s ability to defeat USC, which Batteaux embraced.
Career Highlights of Patrick Batteaux
Despite his team’s triumph, Batteaux’s statistics as a quarterback were modest. Over his college career, he completed less than half of his passes and threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Nonetheless, he carved his name into TCU’s history alongside other notable quarterbacks like Andy Dalton and Trevone Boykin. In addition to being a key player in the Sun Bowl, Batteaux briefly played in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers before moving on to a professional life outside of sports.
Life After Football
Post-football, Batteaux has built a successful career. He currently serves as a senior vice president at Texas Bank and Trust. Although he transitioned away from sports, his memories of that Sun Bowl victory and its significance to TCU remain vivid.
Legacy of TCU’s Upset Against USC
The 1998 Sun Bowl is remembered as a defining moment for TCU football. For Batteaux and his teammates, it was more than just a game. It symbolized a shift in their program and created unforgettable memories. The connection among the players endures, with Batteaux maintaining relationships with many of his former teammates.
As TCU prepares to face USC again, the legacy of that game resonates strongly. It serves as a reminder of how pivotal moments can shape the future of a program and its players.
