The 2008 Alamo Bowl was the 16th annual edition of the contest and the second to be sponsored by Valero Energy Corporation.
Northwestern's Brian Peters intercepted Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel on the Tigers' first drive.
The Wildcats took advantage of the mistake and quarterback C. J. Bachér found a wide-open Eric Peterman for a 35-yard touchdown.
Danario Alexander gave Mizzou its first lead of the game with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Daniel with about 7 minutes left in the third.
With 31 seconds left in the quarter, Bachér found Ross Lane in the back of the endzone to give Northwestern a 23–20 lead.