Both the UPI and AP panels ranked Delaware (10–0) first, followed by Louisiana Tech (11–0), and Cal Poly (8–0–1).
[1][2] Louisiana Tech later defeated Tennessee Tech in the Grantland Rice Bowl, while Cal Poly lost to North Dakota in the Camellia Bowl.
Delaware declined an invitation to face UMass (7–2) in the Boardwalk Bowl, and did not play in the postseason.
The postseason consisted of four bowl games as regional finals, all played on December 10.
Grambling defeated North Carolina Central in the inaugural Pelican Bowl to capture the black college football national championship.