Despite an award-winning, record-breaking performance in the 1971 Cotton Bowl, Texas lost, breaking its 30-game winning streak and handing the AP crown to Nebraska.
[1] Phillips developed into a classic option quarterback, and during his sophomore year he backed up James Street in Texas' National Championship season of 1969.
He was replaced by Wigginton in the first game of the season against UCLA after re-injuring his hamstring which he originally injured in August, and again with the same injury during his return against Oregon.
[5] Despite his many injuries he was the starter in the 1972 Cotton Bowl classic against Penn State, in which he shared quarterback duties with backup Wigginton.
[6] Many saw the game as a grudge match between the two teams who went undefeated in 1969, and Penn State dominated in a 30-6 win to avenge their denial of the 1969 National Championship.
Phillips finished with a 14-2 record as a starter and, at the time he graduated, he had the four top rushing games by a quarterback in Texas history.