The third quarter finished identical to the first, with the only scoring coming from an Oklahoma field goal, this time from 30 yards out.
The fourth quarter began with Clemson and Oklahoma tied 6–6, but the Tigers broke the deadlock and MVP Terry Allen found the end zone from 4 yards out and scored the only touchdown of the game and what proved to be the only points of the fourth quarter.
The Sooner program was rocked later in January when four players were arrested and charged with rape in the university's athletic dormitory.
who led Oklahoma to national championships in 1974, 1975 and 1985, resigned on June 19 after 16 seasons as head coach, during which time he compiled a 157-29-4 record.
Prior to becoming head coach, Switzer was a Sooner assistant under Jim Mackenzie and Chuck Fairbanks.