Central Michigan quarterback Joe Youngblood, who had been denied a scholarship offer by Michigan State, led the Chippewas by completing 17 of 22 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns and also catching a pass for 29 yards on a trick play.
In the third quarter, Michigan State kicker Jim DelVerne missed a 31-yard field goal attempt.
Brian Pruitt scored a fourth quarter touchdown to put the Chippewas ahead, 24–14.
[7] Youngblood was named as Central Michigan's most valuable player for the first of what would be two consecutive years.
[8] Offensive guard Marty Malcolm, center Art Droski, and defensive lineman Mike Nettie were selected as first-team All-MAC players.