The game was telecast on ESPN and was organized by the DC Bowl Committee, Inc., the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, and its title sponsor.

The 2009 edition of the EagleBank Bowl was originally to match Army and the eighth team selected from the ACC.

[3] Army finished the regular season at 5–7 after failing to defeat rival Navy to become bowl eligible.

Bruins linebacker Akeem Ayers returned an interception 2 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and was named the game's MVP for his efforts.

[8] The temperature was 32 degrees at kickoff with the wind chill at 19, and it only got colder as the evening wore on, leading many (including Temple alumnus Bill Cosby[9]) to assume UCLA would struggle with the conditions.