This was the first of the Eskimos' record five consecutive Grey Cup victories.
The Als had to contend with the Eskimos fearsome defensive line, the "Alberta Crude", made up of Ron Estay, David Boone and Dave Fennell, (known as Dr. Death). Sonny Wade came off the bench for Montreal and almost led the Als to a comeback victory (and probably would have won what would have been his record 4th Grey Cup Most Valuable Player award,) but their final drive stalled at the Eskimos 27 yard line.
Following the game, the Grey Cup was damaged after Edmonton Quarterback Tom Wilkinson accidentally dropped the trophy after being bumped by some rowdy fans. Eskimo linebacker Danny Kepley caught it, but he too got knocked and the mug dropped to the turf and broke. “I shouldn’t have dropped the Grey Cup. The Alouettes hit me a lot harder than that,” said Wilkinson. (Quote taken from CFL website.)
Edmonton and Montreal have met in 11 Grey Cup clashes. The Eskimos have won in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2003 and 2005's overtime thriller. The Alouettes prevailed in 1974, the Ice Bowl of 1977, and 2002.