The bowl was ranked 9th in the fbs, the game began at approximately 5:45 p.m. EST and was aired on ESPN.
The bowl game's title sponsor was Kellanova / Kellogg's through their Pop-Tarts brand.
[6] The Wolfpack entered the game with a 9–3 record (6–2 in the ACC), having finished in third place in the conference and 18th in the College Football Playoff rankings.
This was NC State's sixth Pop-Tarts Bowl, tying Miami (FL) for the most appearances in the game.
The Wildcats entered the game with an 8–4 record (6–3 in the Big 12), tied for fourth place in their conference and 25th in the College Football Playoff rankings.