Coach Dutch Bergman put his team under "martial law," fearing his players and the showgirls would "dance their football game away before they played.

"[10] Pete Dranginis, the Cardinals' quarterback, threw a one-yard pass to Bill Adamaitis in the first quarter to give the team an early 7–0 lead.

[3] In the third quarter Mississippi's Dave Bernard attempted a punt, but the Cardinals' entire right side broke through the line and center Joe Yanchulis[12] blocked the kick.

[3] After the game, the Cardinals were inundated with fans seeking autographs at the Hotel Flamingo and "a heap of telegrams" of congratulations poured in from around the country.

[11] In the days that followed, the Cardinals celebrated by sightseeing in Miami, going deep sea fishing, and going to dog races as the guest of Tiny Parker.

[17] President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "on his way to church, became an unwitting parader, when the march de triumph jammed traffic in front of the White House.

"[3][16] A crowd of 1,000 greeted the players when they returned to campus and mass was celebrated in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for them by Maurice S. Sheehy, assistant rector.

[18] In attendance were "Washingtonians from all walks of life, representatives of the national and District governments, local businesses, professions, and clubs.

[21] In addition, the Florida State Society held a tribute to the Cardinals at the Washington Hotel the previous Saturday night.