[2][3][4] The Buffaloes switched to the wishbone offense in the spring and won five of their first six games;[5] they tied for third in the Big Eight (4–3), and entered the bowl at 7–4 overall.
The night game kicked off shortly after 5 p.m. PST with Colorado in white jerseys and Washington in home purple.
The Huskies scored with 30 seconds remaining in the half on a David Toy three yard touchdown run to make it 10–7 at halftime.
[2][3] Colorado kicker Larry Eckel tied the game with a 33-yard field goal, but Washington scored quickly on a Tony Covington touchdown run three minutes later.
Colorado had one last chance with five minutes remaining deep into the Huskies' territory, but Mike Marquez fumed the ball at the two, as Washington held on to win their second straight bowl game.