The game featured the
Michigan Wolverines from the
Big Ten Conference and the
Alabama Crimson Tide from the
Southeastern Conference (SEC). This was the fifth meeting between the two programs; entering the game, the series was tied, 2–2. Most recently they met in the 2012
Cowboys Classic in Arlington, Texas, won by Alabama, 41–14.
Michigan Wolverines Michigan entered the game with a 9–3 record (6–3 in conference), ranked 17th in the
AP Poll. They finished in third place in the Big Ten's East Division. The Wolverines were 2–3 against ranked opponents, defeating
Iowa and
Notre Dame while losing to
Wisconsin,
Penn State, and
Ohio State. This was Michigan's sixth Citrus Bowl appearance; they were 4–1 in prior appearances. This was Michigan's 48th bowl game appearance, the 11th-highest total all-time among FBS schools.
Alabama Crimson Tide Alabama entered the game with a 10–2 record (6–2 in conference), tied for ninth in the AP Poll. They finished in second place in the SEC's West Division. The Crimson Tide were 1–2 against ranked opponents, defeating
Texas A&M while losing to
LSU and
Auburn. This was Alabama's third Citrus Bowl appearance; they were 2–0 in prior appearances. ==Game summary==