Ellis, who had blocked the punt and contributed to a defensive effort that did not allow any East Carolina offensive touchdowns, was named the game's MVP in a losing effort. Willingham would remain at Stanford for seven seasons, eventually winning the conference championship and taking the team to the 2000 Rose Bowl, the team's first Rose Bowl since 1972. He left to become coach of Notre Dame in 2002. East Carolina would move into the top 25 after this game, which ended Logan's most successful season at East Carolina where he coached until 2002. Quarterback Crandall had a successful career in the Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player in 2001 as quarterback of the Calgary Stampeders.