Arizona State finished 6th in the Pacific-10 Conference as the team was in their fourth bowl game in six seasons, and third straight under coach John Cooper.
But nine seconds later, Daniel Ford threw a 61-yard pass to Aaron Cox, who ran into the end zone, making the halftime score 24–14.
With less than three minutes remaining, Lance McDowell (the third-string quarterback) led the Falcons nearly back from the brink.
But it was too little, too late, as the Falcons could not get lucky a third time as the Sun Devils held on to win their second straight bowl game.
Chad Hennings had 12 unassisted tackles (with three for 12 yards in losses) and two sacks, named Co-MVP in a losing effort.