[11][a] While the Old Dominion Monarchs from Sun Belt were named as a participant, the MAC did not have enough bowl-eligible teams to fill their spot.

[11] This was the eighth meeting between Old Dominion and Western Kentucky; entering the bowl, the Hilltoppers led the all-time series 6–1, with the Monarchs' lone win coming in 2018.

[12] From 2014 to 2021, Old Dominion and Western Kentucky played together in C-USA, parting ways when the Monarchs joined the Sun Belt for 2022.

Western Kentucky entered the season returning star quarterback-wide receiver duo Austin Reed and Malachi Corley and hoping to contend for a C-USA title.

A three-game losing streak in late October and early November dropped them to 4–6, one loss away from bowl ineligibility.