Florida State was an independent and in the Sun Bowl for the first time in a dozen years.
Florida State quarterback Kim Hammond threw two touchdowns, one to Ron Sellers for 49 yards and four minutes later a 59-yard pass to T. K. Wetherell to give the Seminoles a 14–7 lead at halftime.
Cowboy Jerry Marion caught a 39-yard pass from quarterback Rick Egloff to tie the score at fourteen each.
Hammond and Ron Sellers connected for another touchdown reception to narrow the margin to eight, but the Seminoles failed to score again.
The Seminoles have also not returned to the Sun Bowl since this game, but have had better success in the time since.