Consistent with conference tie-ins, the game featured Miami from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Iowa State of the Big 12 Conference. This was the first meeting between the teams.[5]
Iowa State compiled a regular-season record of 10–2 (7–2 in conference). The Cyclones began their season with seven consecutive wins, and were nationally ranked as high as ninth. They briefly dropped out of the rankings after back-to-back losses, then finished the regular season with three wins. They faced Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship Game, losing by a score of 45–19. The Cyclones were placed 18th in the final College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. Iowa State faced three ranked FBS teams, defeating Iowa and Kansas State while losing to Arizona State. The Cyclones entered the bowl with a 10–3 record.
Miami ended the regular season with a record of 10–2 (6–2 in conference). The Hurricanes were ranked as high as fourth after winning their first nine games. They then lost two of three and were placed 13th in the final CFP rankings. Miami did not face any ranked teams during the regular season.
Game summary
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