It was a hard-hitting defensive effort that caused nine Sooner fumbles—NU recovered six—and a balanced offensive attack, 250 yards rushing and 111 yards passing, that paced the Huskers to their first win over archrival Oklahoma since the 1971 "Game of the Century." The win locked up at least a tie for the conference title and an Orange Bowl berth.

On offense it was the rugged running of senior I-back Rick Berns who carried the ball 25 times for 113 yards and one touchdown.

On defense, it was senior monster back Jim Pillen, with eight tackles and two fumble recoveries, leading the charge. Others turning in fine defensive efforts were linebackers Bruce Dunning and Lee Kunz, defensive end George Andrews and defensive back Jeff Hansen. For their efforts, Berns and Pillen were named offensive and defensive Players of the Game by ABC and Chevrolet. Berns and Pillen also received Big 8 Player of the Week honors.

It wasn't just the individual performances, but a team effort that led the Huskers to a sensational finish which saw Nebraska go ahead, then stave off the Sooners and finally force Billy Sims to fumble at the Nebraska 3-yard line with just 3:27 remaining in the game.