Super Bowl History: Super Bowl VIII

Super Bowl VIII was the eighth edition of the Super Bowl and was played on January 13th, 1974, at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game featured the Miami Dolphins, who finished the 1973 season with a 12-2 record, against the Minnesota Vikings, who finished the season with a 12-2 record.

The Dolphins, led by head coach Don Shula and quarterback Bob Griese, had a strong playoff run, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-16, in the divisional round and the Oakland Raiders, 27-10, in the AFC Championship game. This was the third consecutive appearance for the Dolphins in Super Bowls, going 1-1 in the previous two years: Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl VII.

The Vikings, led by head coach Bud Grant and quarterback Fran Tarkenton, also had a strong playoff run, defeating the Washington Redskins, 27-20, in the divisional round and the Dallas Cowboys, 27-10, in the NFC Championship game.

Super Bowl VIII outcome

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In Super Bowl VIII, the Dolphins dominated the Vikings, winning 24-7. Miami running back Larry Csonka was named the game's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 145 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns on 33 carries. The Dolphins' defense also played a strong game, holding the Vikings to 67 rushing yards and intercepting Fran Tarkenton twice.

The Dolphins' performance in Super Bowl VIII was a testament to their dominance during the early 1970s. Not only did they become the 2nd team in NFL history to win consecutive Super Bowls, but they also became the first team to go to three consecutive Super Bowls and establish themselves as one of the greatest teams of all time. The Vikings, on the other hand, despite being strong competitors in the playoffs, were unable to secure a victory against the powerhouse Dolphins.

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