The game was played between Iowa State from the Big 12 Conference and Washington State from the Pac-12 Conference.
[7] Iowa State received and accepted a bid to the Alamo Bowl on December 2.
[6] The Cyclones entered the bowl with an 8–4 record (6–3 in the Big 12).
Washington State received and accepted a bid to the Alamo Bowl on December 2.
[6] The Cougars entered the bowl with a 10–2 record (7–2 in the Pac-12).