It was one of the 2014–15 bowl games that conclude the 2014 FBS football season.
The two participants for the game were determined by the College Football Playoff selection committee, and consisted of at-large selections and/or the highest ranked team from the "Group of Five" conferences.
This game between Boise State and Arizona ended the Fiesta Bowl's 16-year tie-in with the Big 12; since 1999, the Big 12 champion had hosted the Fiesta Bowl when it is not playing in the national championship game.
The preceding Fiesta Bowl was actually played on New Year's Day, which naturally was also in 2014.
‡ denotes College Football Playoff quarterfinal game