The 1997 Humanitarian Bowl was the inaugural edition of the bowl game now known as the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. It featured the Cincinnati Bearcats of Conference USA and the Utah State Aggies of the Big West Conference. This was Cincinnati's first bowl game in 46 years and first bowl win since 1949. Kickoff was at 1:30 pm MST and it was televised by ESPN2.

Game summary

Favored Cincinnati took a 7–0 lead on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Chad Plummer to Cornelius Bonner. They led 14–0 on a 14-yard scoring pass from Deontey Kenner to Bonner. Lendon Smith scored on a 1-yard touchdown run as Cincinnati took a 21–0 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Plummer scored on a 15-yard touchdown run making the score 28–0. Utah State got on the board with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Sauk to Steve Smith. Cincinnati answered with a 7-yard Orlando Smith touchdown run making the score 35–7. Utah State scored on a 3-yard touchdown run making the score 35–13 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Utah State's Brent Passey scored on a 10-yard fumble return making the final score 35–19.