Kris Brown's 25-yard field goal in the closing seconds lifted the Reds to a 20-17 win. It was Brown's fourth field goal in as many tries.

The Reds had the No. 1 offense and the No. 2 defense, while the Whites had the No. 1 defense and the No. 2 offense. In eight series between the top units, the offense managed zero touchdowns, 28 yards rushing in 28 tries and 81 yards through the air on 4-of-10 passing. Fifteen of the 38 plays between the No. 1 units failed to produce positive yardage. The only offensive touchdowns came when the Nos. 2 and 3 units were paired. For the game, the Reds were held to 93 rushing yards on 46 attempts.

The Reds got their only touchdown when I-back Damon Benning bobbled a third-quarter punt, picked up the ball and scooted 87 yards to paydirt. The ensuing two-point conversion tied the score at 14, and the teams then traded field goals before Brown kicked the game-winner with three seconds left.

A somber atmosphere prevailed before kickoff despite the record 48,659 in attendance. A 3½-minute film devoted to Berringer was shown on the stadium screens. Redshirt freshman Jeff Perino, who had worn Berringer's No. 18 all spring, switched to No. 5 for the game out of respect.