The 1952 Sugar Bowl featured the top ranked Tennessee Volunteers, and the third ranked Maryland Terrapins. In the first quarter, Maryland scored on a two-yard touchdown run Ed Fullerton, giving the Terrapins a 7-0 lead. In the second quarter, Fullerton threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Bob Shemonski, as the Terrapins built a 14-0 lead. Jack Scarbath scored on a one-yard touchdown run making it 21-0. Tennessee got on the board with a 4 yard touchdown pass from Payne to Reichar as the score was 21-6 at halftime. In the third quarter, Fullerton scored on a 46 yard interception return making it 28-6. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee's Payne scored on a 2 yard touchdown run making the final score 28-13. Ed Modzelewski was named the game MVP.