In 1986, the organizers of the Sun Bowl struck an agreement with John Hancock Financial to serve as a title sponsor for the game.
[1] After three seasons as the title sponsor, John Hancock felt it was not getting the exposure it desired with their sponsorship and asked the bowl organizers to change the name of the game.
An 8-play, 93-yard drive by the Panthers led to a Curvin Richards 12-yard touchdown run to give them a 7–0 lead less than six minutes into the game.
With :18 seconds remaining in the half, Ronald Redmond caught an 8-yard pass from Alex Van Pelt or a touchdown to give the Panthers a 17–10 lead.
A&M responded with another score, this time on a Randy Simmons touchdown run, to finally give them the lead, with 9:32 remaining.
They managed to get to the 47 yard line, but on 3rd down with 1:05 remaining, Pavlas' pass was intercepted by Threats, and the Panthers ran out the rest of the time to win.
Alex Van Pelt was named MVP for his performance in the game, in which he threw 20-of-40 for 354 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.