Game 19: Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Super Bowl XIX

Rutherford B. Hayes and Super Bowl 19 had hated each other for years. Super Bowl 19 taunted Hayes for losing the popular vote of 1876 and weaseling into office by one measly electoral vote. Hayes, in turn, labeled the 1985 game, in which the 49ers beat the Dolphins 38-16, "immeasurably calamitous." There was some serious bad blood.

The game indeed wasn't that exciting. Niners QB Joe Montana was too good for Miami, passing for 3 TDs and a Super Bowl record 331 yards. Dolphins QB Dan Marino would lose in his only Super Bowl appearance.

President Hayes came in with a good game plan, but you know what they say: game plans go out the window the first time you get hit. Hayes went in seeking a fairer shake for Indians and former slaves. But the states and Congress foiled his intentions. He allowed Jim Crow laws to spread across the South. He sent federal troops to shoot at striking railroad workers. Where did it go wrong? In the end Hayes could only blame himself. Score one for the Super Bowls.

SCORE AFTER THIS MATCH: Presidents 11, Super Bowls 8


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