The 25th edition of the Liberty Bowl pitted the Boston College Eagles and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Losses to Michigan State and Miami made them fall out of the polls, but the Irish would win their next five games.
The Eagles began the season 3–0, with victories over Morgan State, Clemson, and Rutgers, which made them get into the AP rankings at #19.
They promptly won four straight games over Temple, Yale, Penn State, and Army, while getting back into the rankings at #13 before a loss to Syracuse.
Boston College would take the early lead three minutes into the game after a 63-yard drive (on seven plays) ended with a Brian Brennan touchdown catch of a Doug Flutie pass.
A John Mihalik punt was blocked by Mike Golic, and the Irish took advantage four players later with a Blair Kiel touchdown pass to Alvin Miller from 13 yards out.