The Division I-A season came down to a rare top-two post-season meeting as No.

The game is most remembered for Alabama's goal line stand with four minutes left in the game; on fourth down and a foot, Alabama managed to keep Penn State out of the end zone and went on to win, 14–7.

USC claimed the title because it defeated Alabama in the regular season and also finished with only one loss.

The AP Poll and most other voting outlets (including the Football Writers Association of America and the National Football Foundation) crowned Alabama as national champion, while the UPI Coaches' Poll selected USC.

6 Michigan, which had yet to begin its season, replaced Notre Dame in the top five: No.

3 Oklahoma had a much more dominant performance with a 66–7 victory over Rice, earning them the top spot in the next poll.

5 Maryland got ready for their upcoming showdown with Penn State by thumping Duke 27–0.

4 Nebraska 17–14, allowing the Cornhuskers to clinch at least a share of the Big Eight title.

[53][54] This left the Cornhuskers and Sooners in a tie atop the Big Eight, but Nebraska's head-to-head victory earned them a spot in the Orange Bowl.

6 Houston, which was idle this week but stood atop the SWC standings after upset victories over Arkansas and Texas, moved into the top five:[56] No.

1 Penn State wrapped up its undefeated regular season with a 17–10 win over their rival, No.

3 USC needed a controversial call (an apparent fumble was ruled an incomplete pass thus keeping the final drive alive) and last second field goal to beat No.

5 Houston was upset by Texas Tech 22–21, but the Cougars still clinched the SWC title and a Cotton Bowl berth when the other contender, No.

The Crimson Tide came through with a 34–16 win over rival Auburn, and the top five remained unchanged from the previous week.

1 Penn State accepted the Sugar Bowl bid to set up a 1 vs. 2 matchup with Alabama.

The Orange Bowl normally pitted the Big Eight champion against an independent team or one from another conference, but this year the organizers set up a rematch between No.

4 Oklahoma (which lost the Big Eight title to the Cornhuskers in a close game, but had a better overall record and ranking).

It was near the end of that game when legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes punched Clemson linebacker Charlie Bauman after his game clinching interception, leading to Hayes' dismissal as Ohio State coach.

Top ranked Penn State, as an independent, was not tied to any bowl game so the Nittany Lions accepted the Sugar Bowl invitation where they would meet SEC Champion Alabama, who was ranked 2nd in the AP and 3rd in the UPI.

Nebraska had upset Oklahoma to earn the Big 8 title and automatic Orange Bowl berth; the Orange Bowl pulled a surprise by inviting the Sooners to play Nebraska in a rematch.

Most observers felt Clemson would be invited and Oklahoma would play Houston in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

In unusually cold and icy Dallas, Notre Dame overcame a 34–12 fourth quarter deficit to beat Houston 35–34.

The Fighting Irish were led by quarterback Joe Montana in his final collegiate game.

In New Orleans, Alabama used a 4th quarter goal line stand to upset Penn State 14–7.

In Pasadena, USC defeated Michigan 17–10, aided by an incredible performance (including the game-winning touchdown) by Charles White .

One other Bowl of note saw Clemson beat Ohio State 17–15 in the Gator Bowl; the next day, legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes was fired for punching Clemson defensive back Charlie Bauman in the throat after his game-saving interception.

The season ended with the top 3 teams (Alabama, USC, and Oklahoma) with one loss.

In the AP poll, Alabama (11–1–0), on the strength of their Sugar Bowl win over former No.

1, based in a large part on their 24–14 win at Alabama over the Crimson Tide.

1 for most of the season, felt that they should be national champs as they avenged their only loss by beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.