Part of the 1973–74 bowl game season, it matched the unranked independent Pittsburgh Panthers and #10 Arizona State Sun Devils of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
[4][5][6] In their first year under head coach Johnny Majors, the Panthers were ranked twice in the AP poll in November (at #20), but lost the next game (Notre Dame, Penn State).
The Sun Devils were co-champions of the WAC, the sole loss was an upset at Utah; ASU defeated rival Arizona in the late November to clinch the share.
All-American freshman halfback Tony Dorsett gave Pittsburgh an early lead on his three-yard touchdown run.
[4][5][6][7] Hudson had eight receptions for 186 yards and was the offensive player of the game; cornerback Mike Haynes had two interceptions and took the defensive honor.