[7] The bowl matched the FIU Panthers and the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
This was the ninth meeting between the programs; entering the game, Arkansas State led the all-time series, 6–2 (officially 4–2, as two wins were vacated per NCAA sanctions).
[8] From 2005 to 2012, FIU and Arkansas State were both members of the Sun Belt Conference; their previous meetings spanned that era.
The Panthers tied with Middle Tennessee for fifth place in the East Division of Conference USA.
The 2017 Red Wolves appeared in that season's Camellia Bowl, losing to Middle Tennessee, 35–30.