20 Kentucky,[11] but rebounded with a narrow win over South Florida closed out their three-game home stretch to begin the year.

[16] They were unable to keep up their good form, as the Gators fell to LSU by ten points at home before heading into a bye week.

[23] On December 5, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson announced that he would forgo playing in the bowl game and instead declare for the NFL draft.

[24] As a result, Napier announced on December 8 that redshirt freshman Jack Miller III would start at quarterback for the Gators in Richardson's place.

[25] Jonathan Smith's fifth year at the helm of the Oregon State program began with a trio of non-conference games: one home, one away, and one played at a neutral site.

[30] The Beavers rebounded with a one-point win over Stanford[31] before returning home to face Washington State, whom they defeated by 14 points.

23, the Beavers fell to Washington in a Friday night road game,[34] but regained their place in the top 25 with a victory the next week against California.

[37] The Beavers rallied from a 21-point third quarter deficit to beat the Ducks by 4, marking the end of their best regular season under Jonathan Smith.

[40] The officiating crew for the game, representing the Atlantic Coast Conference, was led by referee Riley Johnson and umpire Mark Wilson.