The 1988 Alabama squad finished the regular season with an 8–3 record and losses against Ole Miss, LSU and Auburn.
The 1988 Army squad finished the regular season with a record of 9–2 with losses coming against Washington and Boston College.
[1] Alabama again responded with a 22-yard Philip Doyle field goal and a 7-yard Marco Battle touchdown reception from David Smith to close the gap to 14–13 at the half.
On Alabama's next drive David Smith was intercepted by Army's O'Neal Miller who returned it 57 yards for a touchdown and a 28-20 lead.
In the fourth quarter Alabama put together two scoring drives for a 32-yard Doyle field goal and a 2-yard David Casteal run to regain the lead at 29–28.