Online lending marketplace LendingTree was the game's title sponsor.
The teams' last meeting was played in 2017; Georgia State won, 27–17 in the Cure Bowl.
[6] Georgia State of the Sun Belt entered the bowl with an overall record of 5–4 (4–4 in conference play).
Western Kentucky of C-USA entered the bowl with a record of 5–6 (4–3 in conference play).
They are one of a limited number of teams to enter a bowl game with a losing record.