[a] Sponsored by information technology company Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S), it was officially known as the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
[8] Western Michigan entered the bowl with a 6–6 overall record, 5–3 in conference play.
The Broncos faced one ranked team during the season, losing to Ohio State, 56–0.
[9] South Alabama also entered the bowl with a 6–6 overall record, 5–3 in conference play.
The Jaguars faced one ranked team during the season, losing to LSU, 42–10.