Sponsored by Elk Grove Village, Illinois, the game was officially called the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.
[6] This was the fourth matchup between these two teams, with FIU holding a 2–1 lead in the series.
FIU accepted a bid to the Bahamas Bowl on November 25.
FIU's usual starting quarterback, James Morgan, was unavailable for the game due to a sore shoulder, resulting in backup Christian Alexander getting the start.
[9] Toledo accepted a bid to the Bahamas Bowl on November 25.