The 78th annual Gator Bowl, the game featured Notre Dame, an FBS Independent, and South Carolina of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Selected to the bowl were South Carolina of the SEC and Notre Dame, who compete as an FBS Independent.
This was the fifth meeting between Notre Dame and South Carolina; the Fighting Irish lead the all-time series, 3–1.
The Fighting Irish faced five ranked opponents, defeating BYU, Syracuse, and Clemson while losing to Ohio State and USC.
They also faced five ranked opponents, defeating Kentucky, Tennessee, and Clemson while losing to Arkansas and Georgia.