Part of the 1958–59 bowl game season, it matched the independent and sixth-ranked Air Force Falcons and the No.

[2][3] Undefeated Air Force had a tie during the regular season, 13–13 to Iowa; the Hawkeyes went on to win the Big Ten Conference and the Rose Bowl.

[1] Although it had snowed two days earlier, the field was clear and the weather was sunny and 44 °F (7 °C) for the 2:30 p.m. CST kickoff.

[3][4] In the end, it was six lost fumbles (out of 13 in total) and five missed field goals that decided the scoreless outcome.

Dave Phillips of Air Force and Jack Spikes of TCU were named Outstanding Players.