This was the first-ever edition of the Independence Bowl, which drew its name from the ongoing celebrations of the United States Bicentennial.
[3] McNeese State clinched the championship and spot in the bowl game after defeating Southwestern Louisiana 20–19 on November 20.
[4] For the at-large opponent the bowl organizers initially pursued Rutgers, which was then 10–0 and would finish the season undefeated.
[7] Ten players were declared ineligible because they had redshirted in their freshman year and were thus fifth-year seniors.
[8] The players were accused of having a girl in their dormitory room, which McNeese State then prohibited.