The last time Clemson played in the Cotton Bowl was the first time it ever appeared in a bowl game. That was way back in 1940 when All-American Banks McFadden led the Tigers to a 6-3 victory over Boston College to conclude the 1939 season.
The victory was a landmark one for Clemson, as in addition to being the program’s first bowl game, it represented the school’s first win against a Top 20 team. The Tigers finished the year 9-1 under head coach Jess Neely in 1939 and earned a No. 12 ranking in the final Associated Press Poll.