Consistent with conference tie-ins, the game featured Northern Illinois from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Fresno State from the Mountain West Conference. This was the second meeting of these teams in a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl; the teams met in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl when the bowl was known by that name—Northern Illinois won, 40–17.[5]
Northern Illinois ended their regular season with a 7–5 record (4–4 in conference) after winning three of their final four games. The Huskies faced one ranked team during the season, defeating Notre Dame, 16–14, on September 7.
Fresno State posted a 6–6 record (4–3 in conference), losing three of their final four games. The Bulldogs faced two ranked teams in FBS, losing to Michigan, 30–10, on August 31, and losing to UNLV, 59-14, on September 28. The 2024 Michigan Football Team was no longer ranked by the end of the season but did beat The Ohio State at the shoe 13-10, on November 30. The Bulldogs were led by Tim Skipper, who was named interim head coach in mid-July following the departure of Jeff Tedford due to health concerns.[6] Fresno State entered the matchup having won their five most recent bowl game appearances.
