This article is about the Fiesta Bowl that followed the 1997 season, played on December 31, 1997. For the game that followed the 1996 season, played on January 1, 1997, see 1997 Fiesta Bowl (January).
The Orangemen jumped out to a 3-0 lead on the first of Nate Trout’s three field goals.
Second Quarter
Kansas State quarterback Michael Bishop led the Wildcats to three-consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter. Following a failed fake field goal attempt by Syracuse, Bishop completed a 19-yard pass to Darnell McDonald. Bishop then followed with a 12-yard TD rush on their next possession, and ended with a 28-yard completion to Justin Swift on a tight end screen.
Syracuse came back to score 12 points in the final 2:18 to cut the lead to 21–15 at the half.
Third Quarter
No scoring occurred.
Fourth Quarter
McDonald caught a 77-yard TD play from a long pass along the sidelines, and then followed with a 41-yard reception with 3:17 remaining to seal the game away.
Aftermath
Kansas State
Bishop threw for four touchdown passes, completing a career-high 14 passes for a career-best 317 yards. He finished the game with 390 yards in total offense including 317 yards passing and 73 yards rushing.
McDonald caught seven of Bishop’s passes for a school-record of 206 yards and three touchdowns. His 77-yard reception in the fourth quarter was the longest in Fiesta Bowl history.
Swift caught a career-high five passes for a career-high 98 yards and one touchdown.
Bishop earned the Offensive Player of the Game award, while KSU linebacker Travis Ochs, was named Defensive Player of the Game after he had an interception and fumble recovery.
Syracuse
Quarterback Donovan McNabb threw for 271 yards and ran for 81 yards, but completed just 16 of 39 passes.
Syracuse’s eight-game bowl game win streak had ended.[2]
