However, with the resolution of the lockout, the game was moved to the spot following the 2012 Rose Bowl.
Big 12 champion Oklahoma State made their first ever trip to a BCS bowl game.
The Cowboy offense featured the combination of quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon, both of whom were taken in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Prior to its loss to Oregon on November 12, the Cardinal were winners of its first nine games of the season and 17 in a row.
The team ranked second in the conference and 22nd nationally in rushing offense (207.92 yards per game), led by All-American Quarterback Andrew Luck, who was the first player selected in the 2012 NFL draft.