Heading into the game, Toledo had an unblemished 11–0 record.
They were MAC champions and were ranked #14 in the AP Poll.
The Toledo Rockets were heavy favorites; they were riding a 34-game winning streak and attempting to finish their third consecutive undefeated and untied season.
Their nationally ranked defense, led by All-American Mel Long, helped the Rockets outgain the Spiders 395–138 in total yards.
[2] Toledo finished #14 in the season's final AP Poll.