This game was to be Paul "Bear" Bryant's last game as head coach of A&M, on his way to Alabama. The Bear had been frustrated by the Vols at Kentucky from '46-'53, going 1-5-2 in that span. After losing this Gator Bowl game vs UT, he went 0-2-1 in his first 3 years at Alabama against Tennessee, winning just 1 game in his first 12 tries against the Vols.

The game was a tremendous defensive struggle as UT shut down John David Crowe, A&M's Heisman Trophy winner. The winning field goal came with just 5:30 left in the game. UT's Sammy Burklow kicked the game winner.

The scoreboard tells the story as the UT cheerleaders and band members celebrate.

This was the last great moment for Bowden Wyatt as UT head coach. It would be his last bowl appearance and his last bowl victory until he stepped down in 1962.