Auburn's bowl history began with the 1937 game when the Tigers and Villanova tied 7-7. This game marked the first time that two United States universities played a game on foreign soil. An Auburn drive in the first quarter stalled on the 10-yard line where the Wildcats took over on downs. After a Villanova punt, Auburn running back Billy Hitchcock broke loose around left end and rambled 40 yards for the Tigers' only score. The score at the half was Auburn 7, Villanova 0.Auburn stopped a Villanova drive on its own 12-yard line during the third quarter but couldn't get field position. Villanova was able to tie the score when they blocked an Auburn quick kick and the ball bounced into the EndZone where Wildcat Lineman Matthews Kuber fell on it for the score. The PAT tied up the game. Auburn's return to the United States marked an end to more than 11,000 miles of travel for the 7-2-2 Tigers that finished the season ranked 13th in the nation under coach Jack Meagher.
The game was played in a revolutionary atmosphere. Fulgencio Batista, the dictator who would be overthrown by Fidel Castro 22 years later, had just assumed power. The game was almost canceled because Batista's picture was not in the game program. A quick trip to the printer saved the Bacardi Bowl and allowed Auburn's bowl history to get off to a significant and historical beginning.
