[5][6] Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi had previously been the defensive coordinator at Michigan State for seven seasons.
This was the eighth meeting between Pittsburgh and Michigan State; heading into the game, the Spartans led the all-time series, 6–0–1.
Pitt was selected to finish fourth in the ACC Coastal, but a return from super senior quarterback Kenny Pickett helped the Panthers to significant wins over Clemson and Tennessee.
[18] The Spartans suffered their first loss of the season against Purdue,[19] but still had a chance to win the Big Ten before being blown out by Ohio State.
Running back Kenneth Walker III was named the Walter Camp Award winner as the college football player of the year, decided by a group of coaches and sports information directors.
[28] Just like the previous edition of the bowl, the favored team was down 10–21 entering the fourth quarter but rallied to win the game.
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta, Georgia † denotes College Football Playoff semifinal game