The Cornhuskers were 11–0 through the regular season, then defeated Texas A&M in the Big 12 title game on December 6.
Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning fired a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Peerless Price to cut the lead to 28–9.
Frost added a 9-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game away for Nebraska at 42–9 with under five minutes remaining.
[2] Nebraska's Green was named game MVP after rushing for an Orange Bowl record 201 yards and two touchdowns.
The game was also the last for Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne, who had been at the helm since 1973 (and with the Husker program since 1962).
Nebraska was ranked second in the final AP Poll, behind the also-undefeated Rose Bowl champion Michigan Wolverines.