The game was the 24th edition of the Alamo Bowl and was sponsored by the San Antonio-based company, Valero Energy.
Previously, Oklahoma State played in the 1997, 2004, and December 2010 editions, and finished with a 1–2 record.
Colorado participated in the 2002 edition as a representative as the Big 12, losing to the 2002 Wisconsin Badgers football team.
The Buffaloes heading into this contest held a 26–19–1 record over Oklahoma State.
However, the Cowboys won the two previous matchups including a 31–28 victory over the Buffaloes in 2009.