The game was the final contest of the 1966 NCAA University Division football season for both teams, and ended in a 14–7 victory for Miami.

[4] Virginia Tech was led on defense by All-American safety Frank Loria, who caught three interceptions and returned three punts for touchdowns as a junior during the 1966 season.

[5] In addition, defensive end George Foussekis was named to the Associated Press second-team All-America team,[6] and helped keep the Hurricanes' offense in check for most of the game.

[10] The ninth-ranked Hurricanes boasted a 7–2–1 regular-season record, including wins over three teams that played in New Year's bowl games--Southern California (Rose), Georgia (Cotton), and Florida (Orange).

[11] The Hurricanes were led on the field by three-time All-American lineback Ted Hendricks,[12] who would later go on to a Hall of Fame career in the National Football League.

Taking over at the Miami 21-yard line, it took Virginia Tech just five plays to march into the end zone for an early 7–0 lead.

[3] The teams battled to a stalemate for the rest of the first half, and Virginia Tech went into halftime still clinging to a 7–0 lead.

[3][16] Miami earned just three rushing first downs during the game, setting a Liberty Bowl record that has yet to be broken.