The game was played four days after one of the worst blizzards in New York City history, affecting travel for the teams and their fans.

Syracuse was required to win seven games in order to become bowl-eligible as two of their victories came over Football Championship Subdivision opponents.

The game's outcome was ultimately decided by a controversial taunting penalty on Adrian Hilburn, which led to Kansas State attempting a game-tying two-point conversion from the 17-yard line.

[5] With 1:13 left in the game, Kansas State's Adrian Hilburn scored a 30-yard touchdown to pull KSU within two points of a tie.

Following the score, Hilburn made a military hand salute toward the crowd and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.