The 1997 edition to the Humanitarian Bowl was the 1st (inaugural) edition of the bowl game. It featured the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Utah State Aggies. Cincinnati took a 7-0 lead on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Chad Plummer to Cornelius Bonner. They led 14-0 on a 14 yard scoring pass from Deontey Kenner to Cornelius Bonner. Lendon Smith scored on a 1 yard touchdown run as Cincinnati took a 21-0 halftime lead.