The game featured the Alabama Crimson Tide, of the SEC, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers, of the Big Ten.
The Crimson Tide offense was led by quarterback Spencer Pennginton, who was a backup at the beginning of the season, but was put into the starting role when Brodie Croyle was injured versus Western Carolina.
The Minnesota offense was led by two 1,000-yard rushers in Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III, the latter of which would be named MVP of the bowl game.
Alabama quickly forced a turnover as Marion Barber III fumbled the ball, which Freddie Roach recovered and returned to the Minnesota 2–yard line.
On their first play, Alabama quarterback Spencer Pennington completed a 2–yard touchdown pass to Le'Ron McClain, and following a Brian Bostick PAT, the Crimson Tide took an early 7–0 lead.
After the first down, the Crimson Tide offense stalled before Prothro fumbled the ball, recovered by Minnesota defensive back Justin Fraley.
Running backs Marion Barber and Laurence Maroney quickly moved the ball forty-two yards in the final 2:54 to the Alabama 5–yard line before the end of the first quarter.
As usual, the Minnesota offense struck to their ground game as Barber and Maroney combined for sixty yards on ten carries to get the ball to the Alabama 9–yard line.
After an incomplete pass and two penalties, the Golden Gophers finished the drive with a 26–yard field goal from Rhys Lloyd, extending their lead to 17–7.
Le'Ron McClain caught a 7–yard pass on the first play as the Alabama offense steadily moved down field to the 46–yard line.
On a 2nd-and-6, Spencer Pennington completed a 40–yard pass to wide receiver Keith Brown as the offense moved the ball to the Minnesota 6–yard line.
On a 3rd-and-goal situation, Minnesota's defense gave the Alabama offense an automatic first down, placing the ball at the 2–yard line.
After three more rushes by Barber and two incomplete passes, Rhys Lloyd kicked a 25–yard field goal to give Minnesota a six-point lead.