Unique is a fair description for the Birmingham Bowl matchup of teams linked by their current coaching circumstances. For Troy, defensive coordinator Greg Gasparato is the interim coach after Jon Sumrall's departure to Tulane. Manny Diaz, most recently Penn State's defensive coordinator and former Miami Hurricanes head coach, is Duke's head coach for next season. Troy entered the bowl season sixth nationally in sacks and 15th in total defense. Duke entered the bowl season ranked 14th nationally in red-zone defense.

Source: Daily Sun December 19, 2023 23:30 UTC