The Rebels tied for 3rd in the Southeastern Conference, in their first bowl appearance since 1971.
The Falcons had finished 2nd in the Western Athletic Conference, but they were making their 2nd straight bowl game, the first time they had made consecutive bowl games in school history.
In a rain drenched game, the Falcons led 6-0 on two field goals by Sean Pavlich from 44 and 39 yards out.
[1] Hatfield left for Arkansas after the bowl game, though the Falcons continued to prosper under new coach Fisher DeBerry, making four more bowl games in the decade.
The Rebels made two more in the decade and two more before Brewer left due to violations in 1993.