[1] CFL football fans saw an unexpectedly exciting game, as the 22.5 point underdog Ottawa Rough Riders, sporting a woeful record of 5–11 (the worst record in league history by any Grey Cup finalist team), came within three seconds of beating the Edmonton Eskimos, who had won the championship the last three straight years.
First Quarter Ottawa – FG – Gerry Organ 34 yards Ottawa – FG – Gerry Organ 37 yards Ottawa – TD – Jim Reid 1-yard run (Gerry Organ convert) Second Quarter Ottawa – TD – Sam Platt 14-yard run (Gerry Organ convert) Edmonton – Single – Dave Cutler 24 yards missed Field Goal Third Quarter Edmonton – TD – Jim Germany 2-yard run (Dave Cutler convert) Edmonton – TD – Warren Moon 1-yard run (Dave Cutler convert) Fourth Quarter Ottawa – FG – Gerry Organ 28 yards Edmonton – TD – Warren Moon 1-yard run (Marco Cyncar 2 point convert pass from Moon) Edmonton – FG – Dave Cutler 27 yards Ottawa unexpectedly built up a lead of 20 to 1 at halftime on touchdowns by Jim Reid and Sam Platt and two Gerry Organ field goals.
Edmonton fought back in the second half with short touchdown runs by Jim Germany and Warren Moon.
After another Ottawa field goal, Moon scored his second rushing touchdown and hit Marco Cyncar for a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 23.
Ottawa tight end Tony Gabriel, limping down the field with torn knee ligaments, caught a vital 20-yard pass while battling Eskimo defender Gary Hayes.