In September 2021, it was announced that the Cougars accepted a bid to join the Big 12 Conference along with fellow American members Cincinnati and UCF.
[7] The Houston Cougars, led by fourth-year head coach Dana Holgorsen, entered the game with a record of 5–3, 3–1 in AAC play.
The following week, Houston lost to Texas Tech 30–33 in double overtime and dropped out of the rankings as a result.
The Cougars would lose again the following week, 30–48 to Kansas, before winning four of their next five, including a 33–32 comeback victory over Memphis.
[8] The SMU Mustangs, led by first-year head coach Rhett Lashlee, entered the game with a record of 4–4, 2–2 in AAC play.