The game featured the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Miami Redskins (located in Oxford, Ohio and now nicknamed the RedHawks).
Miami had won their third straight Mid-American Conference (MAC) title, accumulating a record of 31–1–1 over three seasons.
Miami scored two touchdowns in the first half, for a 14–0 lead at halftime.
Miami tailback Rob Carpenter rushed for 120 yards on 29 carries and was named the game's outstanding offensive player, while his teammate Jeff Kelly was named outstanding defensive player.
South Carolina's next bowl appearance was the 1979 Hall of Fame Classic.