Missouri won its first nine games; they lost to visiting Kansas,[1][4] but the Jayhawks used an ineligible player and later forfeited.
[5][6] Navy's only loss was in early November at Duke;[7] the Blue Devils went on to win the Cotton Bowl.
Missouri's defense shut down the Midshipmen's running game, including Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino, forcing Navy to pass.
After a scoreless third quarter, Missouri drove down 64 yards and capitalized with a 1-yard run from quarterback Ronnie Taylor.
Down 21–6, Bellino caught a 27-yard pass from Spooner, and then made the two-point conversion, cutting the lead to 21–14.