This was the third meeting between the schools, with Boise State having won both previous meeting. The most recent prior meeting was on September 3, 2009, when the Broncos defeated the Ducks by a score of 19–8.[2]
Boise State finished the regular season 10–3 overall and 7–1 in Mountain West play, to finish in first place in the Mountain Division. They defeated Fresno State in the Mountain West Championship Game to become Mountain West champions.
Oregon finished the regular season with a record of 7–5 overall and 4–5 in Pac-12 play, to finish in fourth place in the North Division. The Ducks were led by head coach Mario Cristobal after it was announced on December 5 that head coach Willie Taggart had accepted the head coaching position at Florida State.[3]