The two teams were not strangers to one another, having both played in the same conference, as Louisville was a member of C-USA from 1996 through 2004.
The teams had played each other in a non-conference matchup during the 2009 season, with Louisville winning at home, 25–23.
[2] Although the 2010 season proved to be a successful one on the field for the Golden Eagles, the most memorable public event was when three players were shot after a fight at a club spilled outside to the parking lot.
The Golden Eagles went 1–1 following the tragic events, winning over Houston but losing a shootout to Tulsa.
Louisville entered the contest with a 6–6 record after defeating Rutgers to become bowl eligible.