The game was named after its title sponsor, Outback Steakhouse.
They finished tied with Wisconsin atop the Big Ten's West Division—Wisconsin advanced to the Big Ten Championship Game due to their regular season win over Minnesota.
The Golden Gophers were 1–2 against ranked FBS opponents, defeating Penn State while losing to Iowa and Wisconsin.
The Tigers were 3–3 against ranked FBS opponents, defeating Oregon, Texas A&M, and Alabama while losing to Florida, LSU, and Georgia.
at Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, Florida Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.