Houston jumped out to a 21–0 lead in the first quarter with rushing touchdowns from Dyral Thomas and two from Alois Blackwell, all three coming on Maryland mistakes, such as a missed 20 yard field goal, a blocked punt, and a fumble at their own 24.

Maryland drove 49 yards and scored on a Mark Manges run to narrow it to 21–7 with nine minutes in the second quarter.

But with the quarter about to end, Houston scored on a Don Bass catch from Danny Davis with 55 seconds remaining to have a 27–7 lead at halftime.

Manges gave the Terps life when he threw a touchdown pass to Eric Sievers to narrow the lead late in the third quarter.

But Houston would hold on and not allow Maryland to score again, adding in a Lennard Coplin field goal with :18 remaining to seal the Terps' fate.