The 1942 edition to the Sugar Bowl featured the Missouri Tigers and the Fordham Rams. Those who watched the game were concerned by the attack on Pearl Harbor, which had occurred less than four weeks previously. Despite the entry of the United States into World War II, the bowl game was played on schedule. New Year's Day, 1942, saw a cold, driving rainstorm in New Orleans. During the first quarter, a blocked Tigers punt, turned back by Fordham tackle Alex Santilli, led to a two-point safety being scored by defensive end Stanley Ritinski.