The Hawai'i Bowl marks just the second matchup between the Spartans and Bulls. South Florida won the first game between the two programs, a 44–22 game played in San Jose to open the 2017 season. San Jose State returns to the game for the second year in a row, after losing to Coastal Carolina last season, 24–14.

Deion Sanders has promised no opt-outs for his star-driven football team, which makes the Buffaloes an attractive bowl team. And while this is a Big 12 vs. Big 12 matchup, the Alamo Bowl still has a Pac-12 legacy tie-in, which makes the Buffaloes eligible here. Colorado and BYU did not meet during the regular season.