Alabama was led by head coach Mike Shula and entered a game with a 6–5 record, as the team ended their 2004 regular season by losing three of their final four games. The Crimson Tide offense was led by quarterback Spencer Pennginton, who was a backup at the beginning of the season, but was put into the starting role when Brodie Croyle was injured versus Western Carolina. Pennington led the Crimson Tide to a 3–4 record as a starter and was the starting quarterback in the bowl game. Alabama also entered to the second-ranked overall defense in the country.

Glen Mason led the Golden Gophers into the bowl game, who also had a 6–5 record. The Golden Gophers ended their 2004 regular season by losing five of their final six games after a 5–0 start. The Minnesota offense was led by two 1,000-yard rushers in Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III, the latter of which would be named MVP of the bowl game. The two running backs combined for 2,617 yards and twenty-three touchdowns.

Minnesota began the first drive of the game at their own 20–yard line following a touchback on the opening kickoff. Alabama quickly forced a turnover as Marion Barber III fumbled the ball, which Freddie Roach recovered and returned to the Minnesota 2–yard line. On their first play, Alabama quarterback Spencer Pennington completed a 2–yard touchdown pass to Le'Ron McClain, and following a Brian Bostick PAT, the Crimson Tide took an early 7–0 lead. On their next two drives, Minnesota quarterback Bryan Cupito threw two interceptions, which Roman Harper and Anthony Madison intercepted, respectively.

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