San Diego State competed in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
The team was led by head coach Don Coryell, in his sixth year, and played home games at both Aztec Bowl and Balboa Stadium.
The Aztecs finished the season ranked number 1 in both the AP and UPI small college polls.
At the end of the regular season, San Diego State qualified for the Camellia Bowl, which at the time was the Western Regional Final in the College Division of the NCAA.
The Aztecs were voted the College Division national champion at the end of the season.