 In the weeks leading up to the game, Dooley dodged questions about his future.On December 23, it was announced that Murray State head coach Frank Beamer would replace Dooley after the Peach Bowl.Facing Dooley across the field was NC State head coach Dick Sheridan, who in his first year as head coach of the Wolfpack, was named Atlantic Coast Conference coach of the year and guided the Wolfpack to eight wins.