Entering the game, the Wildcats held a 2–1 series lead, including a win over the Utes in the 2018 Holiday Bowl.
[6] The Wildcats entered the game with a 7–5 record (5–4 in the Big Ten), tied for second place in their conference's West Division.
The Utes entered the game with an 8–4 record (5–4 in the Pac-12), tied for fourth place in their conference.
This was Utah's sixth Las Vegas bowl, tying in-state rival BYU for the most appearances in the game.
This was Utah's final game as a member of the Pac-12, as the Utes committed to join the Big 12 Conference for the 2024 season.