However, as four SEC teams were selected for New Year's Six games, bowl organizers announced a matchup of Temple of the American Athletic Conference (The American), rather than an SEC team, and Duke of the ACC.

[6] The Owls entered the bowl with an 8–4 record (7–1 in conference), having won 6-of-7 to end their regular season.

As Temple head coach Geoff Collins resigned in order to take the same position at Georgia Tech, the Owls were led in the Independence Bowl by interim head coach Ed Foley.

[8] Duke received and accepted a bid to the Independence Bowl on December 2.

[6] The Blue Devils entered the bowl with a 7–5 record (3–5 in conference), having lost 4-of-6 to end their regular season.