Central Michigan was in its first year under Dick Flynn, who lead them to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. UNLV tied for second in the Big West Conference as they were making their second bowl game in ten years under first-year head coach Jeff Horton. This was a rematch of an earlier matchup the two teams had earlier in the season, which Central Michigan won, 35–23 at home.
Henry Bailey had four touchdowns on the day for UNLV, three rushing and one passing, with 7 rushes for 79 yards and 5 catches for 101 yards to help win the game for UNLV, who had a 31–10 lead at halftime and led 52–10 after UNLV scored for the last time early in the fourth quarter. Ten touchdowns were scored on the day, seven by UNLV. Central Michigan had more turnovers (4) than touchdowns (3).[1]
Flynn was fired in 1999 after five non-bowl seasons. The Chippewas didn't reach a bowl game again until 2006, the same year they won their next MAC title.
Horton was fired before UNLV would reach another bowl game, which they did under John Robinson, in 2000.
