The Red Raiders won their only previous meeting, defeating the Golden Bears, 45–31, in the 2004 Holiday Bowl.
It was also the Golden Bears' final game as a member of the Pac-12, as they committed to join the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2024 season.
[7] Cal opened their 2023 season by winning three of their first five games, with the losses coming to Auburn and Washington.
Texas Tech lost three of their first four games to open their 2023 campaign, with the sole victory coming against FCS Tarleton State.
Combined with an injury to starting quarterback Tyler Shough, Texas Tech faced an uphill battle to clinch bowl eligibility.