Heading into the game, Toledo had an unblemished 11–0 record. They were MAC champions and were ranked #14 in theAP Poll. The Toledo Rockets were heavy favorites; they were riding a 34-game winning streak and attempting to finish their third consecutive undefeated and untied season. Their nationally ranked defense, led by All-AmericanMel Long, helped the Rockets outgain the Spiders 395–138 in total yards.[2] Toledo finished #14 in the season's final AP Poll.
Richmond entered with a 5–5 record. They wereSouthern Conference champions after they defeatedWilliam & Mary, 21–19, in the regular season finale to clinch the conference title. The Spiders were appearing in their second-ever postseason bowl game; their first had been the1968 Tangerine Bowl.
