Super Bowl VIII Recap

Betting Odds:
Point Spread: Miami -6.5
Total: 33

Super Bowl 8 Game Recap

If the 1972 Miami team was the perfect team, many believe the 1973 team was even better.

Though they lost twice in the regular year, their defense was just as dominant and the running game - behind Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris and Jim Kiick - just as prolific. In the end, it was little surprise they handled Minnesota 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII at Rice Stadium.

The defending champion Dolphins were the AFC rep for the third year in a row and scored on their first two possessions. Minnesota had time for just seven plays I n the first half.

Larry Csonka was a workhorse, rushing 33 times for a Super Bowl-record 145 yards. He was named Super Bowl VIII MVP.

Garo Yepremian chipped in with a 28-yard field goal in the second quarter that gave the defending champs a 17-0 stranglehold.

Minnesota nearly scored to end the half, but Dolphins middle linebacker and future Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti knocked the ball loose on a goal-line plunge attempt by Oscar Reed and Jake Scott - the MVP of Super Bowl VII - recovered for Miami to end the threat.

So dominant was the running game that Bob Griese completed just six of seven passes for 73 yards.

Final Score: 24-7
Winning Side Bet: Miami -6.5
Winning Total Bet: Under 33