Sponsored by Kellogg's Frosted Flakes breakfast cereal, the game was officially known as the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, after its mascot, Tony the Tiger.
[7] Arizona State's lone victory in the series came in their home stadium in the inaugural Fiesta Bowl.
The Sun Devils were 3–1 against ranked opponents, defeating Michigan State, California, and Oregon while losing to Utah.
They finished in a three-way tie for third place in the ACC's Atlantic Division.
The Seminoles lost to all three ranked teams they faced; Virginia, Clemson, and Florida.