The Drake took the early 6–0 first quarter lead on a Wallace Rooker one-yard run, but missed the PAT.
Fresno State scored a second-quarter touchdown courtesy of a Jack Kelly 19-yard run, tying the game 6–6.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs took their only lead of the game on a Mel Gustafson one-yard run.
The Drake defense intercepted six passes and recovered three fumbles in the 13–12 victory the game ended with a very close score.
Drake became the first Iowa team to participate in a college football bowl game.