Tennessee had finished tied for 5th in the Southeastern Conference in their 4th straight bowl appearance.
Tailback Johnnie Jones gave the Vols an early 7–0 lead on his touchdown plunge from 2 yards out.
Tony Robinson threw a touchdown pass to Tim McGee from 6 yards out to make it 21–0.
Tommy Neal started the comeback for the Terrapins on his 57-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to make it 21–6.
With 2:28 to go, Badanjek scored on a touchdown plunge to make it 28–27, after a failed extra point kick.