The move was necessitated by the National Hockey League's announcement that the league's annual New Year's Day outdoor game would be played in the bowl's normal host stadium, Dallas' Cotton Bowl, which created a scheduling conflict.
This was the 16th meeting between the two programs, and the first since 1947; Western Michigan led the all-time series, 11–3–1.
The Hilltoppers finished tied for second place with Marshall in the East Division of C-USA.
The Broncos finished in second place of the West Division of the MAC.
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, Texas