This was the fourth meeting between Auburn and Maryland; entering the bowl, the Tigers led the Terrapins in the all-time series, 2–1.
[6] The Tigers entered the game with a 6–6 record (3–5 in the SEC), having finished in fifth place in their conference's West Division.
[7] This was Auburn's third Music City Bowl, tying Minnesota and Tennessee for the second-most appearances in the game.
The Terrapins entered the game with a 7–5 record (4–5 in the Big Ten), having finished in fourth place in their conference's East Division.
at Nissan Stadium • Nashville, Tennessee Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.