The game is hosted by the divisional champion with the better winning percentage in conference games.[3] Memphis claimed hosting rights with a 34–24 home win over Cincinnati to close out the regular season on November 29. This left both teams with a 7–1 conference record, with Memphis holding the tiebreaker due to the Tigers' head-to-head win. Navy ultimately tied Memphis for the West Division crown, but the Tigers also held that tiebreaker due to a head-to-head win.[4]
The Cincinnati Bearcats clinched the AAC East, and a berth in the Championship Game, with a win over Temple on November 23.[5] This is Cincinnati's first Championship Game appearance.
Memphis clinched at least a share of the West Division title with their November 29 win over Cincinnati, and also claimed hosting rights by virtue of holding all possible tiebreakers.