The Lakers were led by quarterback Cullen Finnerty, who ran for 115 yards and passed for 225 yards. After the game, Finnerty reflected on winning three national championships in his four years as a Laker. "It's unbelievable. I couldn't write it any better than this," he said.
Junior cornerback Bill Brechin made two key interceptions in the first quarter that kept Northwest Missouri from the endzone.
While more than 7,000 people watched the game in Alabama, thousands more watched at alumni viewing parties in restaurants around the country. The nationally televised game was also carried on Armed Forces TV Network, allowing military personnel to cheer on the Lakers.
Alumni Relations Director Chris Barbee said he received e-mails from two soldiers in Iraq who watched the game and wanted to congratulate the team on its victory.
