Part of the bowl schedule of the 1971 NCAA University Division football season, the Saturday afternoon game featured San Jose State Spartans of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA) and the Memphis State Tigers from the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
[1] Trailing 3–0 late in the first quarter, Memphis State defensive back Tom Carlsen blocked a John McMillen punt and recovered it in the end zone to pull ahead 7–3.
Dornell Harris scored on a nine-yard run in the second quarter to make it 14–3 at halftime.
Tailback Paul "Skeeter" Gowen added on to the score with an 18-yard run after an interception and Clifton Taylor sealed the game for the Tigers from two yards out following a fumble recovery.
The Spartans could only muster a late touchdown to narrow the final margin, with their five turnovers hurting them despite outgaining them 350–290.