[6] Texas A&M entered the bowl with an 8–1 record, all in SEC games.
The Aggies defeated one ranked team during the season, Florida, by a score of 41–38.
North Carolina entered the bowl with an 8–3 record, 7–3 in ACC play.
The Tar Heels' losses were to Florida State, Virginia, and ranked Notre Dame.
North Carolina defeated three ranked teams during the season: Virginia Tech, NC State, and Miami (FL).