The Tigers faced four ranked teams during the season, losing to Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&M while defeating Kentucky.
Prior to the Citrus Bowl, Auburn fired head coach Gus Malzahn, who had led the program for eight seasons.
[6] Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele served as interim head coach for the Tigers.
Northwestern faced two ranked opponents, losing to Ohio State and defeating Wisconsin.
[8] at Camping World Stadium • Orlando, Florida Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.