The Bulls opened their 1998 regular season with a 17-2 road victory over the Big Horns on September 6, asserting early dominance in Week 1. The Bulls' defense set the tone, forcing the game’s first score with a safety in the opening minute, credited to linebacker Vern Aaron tackling James Sotelo in the end zone to give the Big Horns two points.

Following the safety, Garry Griggs connected with Kevin Hartshorn on an 8-yard touchdown pass, the Bulls’ first touchdown of the game, putting them ahead 7-2 after Michael Thomas converted the extra point. The Bulls capitalized on a costly sequence immediately after the kickoff, with a pair of fumbles exchanged between Machine Gun Kelly and Michael Thomas deep in Big Horns territory, ultimately recovered by Bulls’ Eric Boyer.

Michael Thomas's contributions extended beyond kicking as he also forced a fumble during the contest. Thomas secured the team's only field goal of the game, a 31-yard attempt early in the second quarter, bringing the Bulls' lead to 10-2. The Bulls' defense continued to pressure Big Horns quarterback Johnny Callahan, who completed 31 of 51 passes for 226 yards but failed to find the end zone and threw no interceptions. Callahan did rush for 29 yards but was held in check overall.

The teams struggled offensively on third downs, with neither converting any attempts during this game. The Big Horns also failed to score a touchdown or convert any red zone opportunities while committing seven penalties for 40 yards, compared to the Bulls'fewer infractions, tallying three for 25 yards.

Mark Ponder emerged as a dual-threat player for the Bulls, contributing 91 receiving yards and scoring a rushing touchdown on an 11-yard run late in the third quarter. Garry Griggs threw two touchdowns in total, including the scoring pass to Ponder. Kevin Hartshorn added a rushing touchdown as well, helping extend the lead.

Defensively, the Bulls applied relentless pressure, recording three sacks and forcing two fumbles with two recoveries but failing to intercept a pass. Notable defensive plays included forced fumbles by Machine Gun Kelly and Trent Simmons.

The Big Horns' offense showed moments of competence but ultimately could not overcome the Bulls’ balanced attack and stifling defense. The passing game was active, but with no touchdowns and a lack of red zone penetration, the offense stalled frequently.

Coach Jason Burton’s squad improved to 1-0 and took an early lead in the division standings, while Keith Huskey's Big Horns fell to 0-1. The victory marked a strong start for the Bulls, driven by effective special teams, timely defensive plays, and efficient offensive execution in the passing and running game.