[5][6][7][8][9] The Razorbacks stormed into Dallas after winning all ten of its games to earn the Southwest Conference title and a #2 ranking in the AP and Coaches polls.

Under third-year head coach Bob Devaney, Nebraska won its first nine games and was fourth in the rankings, but lost 17–7 at rival Oklahoma on November 21, which snapped a sixteen-game winning streak.

Nebraska responded in the second, with Harry Wilson punching it into the end zone from one yard out for a touchdown, giving the Huskers a 7–3 lead at halftime.

Marshall pitched to running back Bobby Burnett, who scampered in from the three-yard line for the game's final touchdown, giving Arkansas a 10-7 victory.

[11][12] Because the final major polls (AP and Coaches (UPI)) were released in early December before bowl games were played, the Crimson Tide was selected national champions.