This was the 32nd meeting between Maryland and Virginia Tech; entering the bowl, the Terrapins led the all-time series, 16–15.

Finally, with a 40 to 16 win over Rutgers, the Terps finished their season 6-6 and were able to play in a bowl game for the first time since 2016.

On December 4, 2021, they accepted an invite to play in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Virginia Tech.

Finally, a surprise win over rival Virginia clinched the Hokies a bowl bid.

at Yankee Stadium • Bronx, New York Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.