The game was the final contest of the 1989 NCAA Division I-A football season for both teams, and ended in a 31–21 victory for Illinois.
Illinois jumped on the Cavaliers early, with linebacker Bill Henkel recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff.
Illinois opened the second half with an 84-yard drive capped by fullback Howard Griffith's three-yard touchdown.
Early in the fourth quarter, receiver Mike Bellamy scored on a 26-yard pass from George to clinch an Illini victory.
Individual Statistical Leaders Rushing (Att.-Yds.-TD): UI – Griffith 18-93-0, Steve Feagin 10-54-0; UV – Terry Kirby 8-64-0.