The Bears defeated three ranked teams during the regular season: Iowa State, BYU, and Oklahoma.
Ole Miss completed their regular season with a 10–2 overall record, 6–2 in SEC games.
The Rebels lost to Alabama and Auburn, and defeated two ranked teams in FBS, Arkansas and Texas A&M.
Ole Miss entered the Sugar Bowl ranked eighth in all major polls.
Quarterback Matt Corral was injured early in the first quarter and did not return to the game.