In Ray Perkins's final game as Alabama head coach, the Crimson Tide defeated the Huskies 28–6.
This was the first edition of the Sun Bowl that carried corporate sponsorship,[5] as John Hancock Financial entered a three-year, $1.5 million partnership.
Following their victory over Washington State in the Apple Cup, university officials announced they accepted an invitation to play in the Sun Bowl.
[2] Washington responded with a pair of Jeff Jaeger field goals to cut the lead to 7–6 at the half.
[2] Humphrey then scored the final points of the game midway through the fourth on a three-yard run to cap a 16-play, 92-yard drive.