The competing teams were the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Auburn Tigers, both representing the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
They accepted an invitation to play in the Gator Bowl against Vanderbilt in the days following their victory over long-time rival Alabama.
[4] Vanderbilt got on the scoreboard first after Don Orr threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Joe Stephenson to give the Commodores a 7–0 lead.
[8] Auburn responded on the next drive to tie the game at seven after Howell Tubbs connected with Fob James for a 38-yard touchdown reception.
For their performances, Vanderbilt quarterback Don Orr and Auburn running back Joe Childress mere named co-MVPs of the game.