The first time these two teams met was in the 1998 Orange Bowl with Nebraska beating Tennessee with the score of 42–17.
After a scoreless first quarter where both teams had multiple drives stall out with punts, Tennessee jumped out to a 14–0 lead with rushing touchdowns from John Kelly and Joshua Dobbs.
The second half started inconsistent for both teams, with Nebraska fumbling and Tennessee turning the ball over downs on their first series.
After a Nebraska punt, Tennessee drove mainly running the ball with two Jauan Jennings receptions to set up successful field goal to go up 24–7.
Nebraska converted a field goal on their next drive, which was set up by big receptions from De'Mornay Pierson-El and Reilly.
Tennessee fumbled the ball on their next possession and Nebraska cashed in on a five-play, 31-yard drive that ended with a Fyfe nine-yard touchdown run to make the game 31–24.