The game featured the Pittsburgh Panthers from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) playing against the Eastern Michigan Eagles from the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

[6] Pittsburgh entered the bowl with a 7–5 record (4–4 in conference).

The Panthers finished in three-way tie for third place in the Coastal Division of the ACC.

Eastern Michigan entered the game at 6–6 (3–5 in conference).

The Eagles finished tied with Toledo for fifth place in the West Division of the MAC.