The game was one of four regional finals in the College Division, the predecessor of Division II; the other three postseason games were the Pecan Bowl (also played on December 16), along with the Grantland Rice and Camellia bowls (both played on December 9).
Notable participants[]
Tennessee–Martin's Lambert, and West Chester quarterback Jim Haynie, were selected in the 1968 NFL/AFL Draft. Tennessee–Martin defensive end Julian Nunamaker was selected in the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft. Multiple members of the Tennessee–Martin team — including Lambert, Hook, Nunamaker, quarterback Allan Cox, kicker Lee Mayo, left tackle Gary Doble, and head coach Bob Carroll — are inductees of the university's hall of fame.[4] West Chester quarterback Jim Haynie, offensive end Don Wilkinson, running back Paul Dunkleberger, and head coach Bob Mitten are inductees of their university's hall of fame.[5]