Led by sixth-year head coach Dick Boyle, San Francisco State compiled an overall record of 3–5 with a mark of 2–2 in conference play, placing third in the FWC.
The Gators played home games at Cox Stadium in San Francisco.
At the end of the season, the Gators were invited to participate in the second annual Fruit Bowl.
Held on December 5, it was the first interracial bowl game played in the United States.
San Francisco State lost to Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion Southern by a score of 30–0.