In their 16th season under head coach Harold "Deacon" Duvall, the Falcons compiled a perfect 11–0 record (7–0 against conference opponents) and won the WVIAC championship.

In the final 40 seconds, Fairmont quarterback Roy Michael threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to wingback Ron Robison.

[7] On November 25, Fairmont defeated previously unbeaten Northern Michigan, 21–7, in the NAIA eastern semifinal game.

Lloyd Carr, later inducted as a coach into the College Football Hall of Fame, was the quarterback for Northern Michigan.

Northern Michigan coach Rollie Dotsch said afterward that the fumble "ruined our momentum" and was "one of the key turning points.

[10] On December 9, the Falcons defeated Eastern Washington in the Champion Bowl to win the NAIA national championship.

[12] Senior Larry Blackstone played offensive fullback and defensive end and led the team with 1,292 rushing yards.