It was the inaugural edition of the Arizona Bowl and the final game of the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season for both teams.
The Nevada Wolf Pack finished the regular season 6–6 (4–4 in conference) under third-year head coach Brian Polian, becoming bowl-eligible after defeating San Jose State.
[10] The Colorado State Rams finished the regular season 7–5 (5–3 in conference) under first-year head coach Mike Bobo, becoming bowl-eligible for the third straight year after defeating New Mexico.
From there, Nevada drove to the Rams 2-yard line where they were forced to settle for a 19-yard Brent Zuzo field goal to take the lead, 3–0.
After a long pass down to the 1-yard line, Stevens scored on a QB keeper to give CSU the lead, 7–6.
Nevada's next drive resulted in a turnover on downs, and both teams traded punts before CSU nailed a 38-yard field goal to take a 23–22 lead.