Syracuse and West Virginia had long standing rivalry both as Independents and as members of the Big East Conference.
This was the 61st time the two programs had met;[5] Syracuse held a 33–27 series lead in prior games.
[6] West Virginia received and accepted a bid to the Camping World Bowl on December 2.
Quarterback Will Grier, tackle Yodny Cajuste, and wide receiver Gary Jennings announced that they would sit out the game in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL draft.
[7] Syracuse received and accepted a bid to the Camping World Bowl on December 2.