Earlier in the day, Mike's Stanford had beaten Kansas in the Orange Bowl(Semi-final). A win by Mike's Pitt team over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl(Semi-Final)would prevent a Title Game, and give Pitt the Championship by virtue of better record.

Pitt was in position to go up 28-14 late in the 4th when Miami picked the Panthers in the endzone returning the ball inside the Pitt 10. Miami chose to go for the TD on 4th down on the one inch line. However the Panthers defense stuffed the Hurricanes. After a 4 yard Miami loss, Pitt was held to 4th & 10 and went for it rather than try a risky punt and completed the play for a first down. Pitt would score on a 70yd td pass seconds later to take the lead for good with :30 secs remaining.

Pitt(10-2) finishes the season as National Champions and East Coast Conference Champions. Miami(9-4) was the ECC runner up and defeated Clemson in the first round to take a spot in the Fiesta Bowl.