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.
In the third quarter, Chad Plummer scored on a 15 yard touchdown run making the score 28-0. Utah State got on the board with a 75 yard touchdown pass from Matt Sauk to Steve Smith. Cincinnati answered with a 7 yard Orlando Smith touchdown run making the score 35-7. Utah State scored on a 3 yard touchdown run making the score 35-13 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Utah State's Brent Passey scored on a 10 yard fumble return making the final score 35-19.
