They were attempting to break their school record for most total offense (4,021), with the Rockets having 3,968 prior to the game.
As for San Jose State, they went a perfect 5–0 in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association to finish as champions for the first time since 1978.
They drove 56 yards with two passes from quarterback Maurice Hall to set up a 41-yard field goal attempt for Tony Lee, whose longest field goal was 40 yards, with one missed kick from that distance already in the game.
With 15 seconds to play, Lee's kick was good, and the Rockets pulled ahead to win the inaugural California Bowl.
For San Jose State, Steve Clarkson went 43-of-62 for 467 yards (both school records) for three touchdowns and five interceptions.