BYU announces bowl affiliation with Poinsettia Bowl

Cougars finalize agreements for 2015 and one additional season

PROVO, Utah (June 26, 2013) – Brigham Young University has accepted invitations to play in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl following the 2015 regular season and one additional season to be announced at a later date.

“We had a fantastic experience at the Poinsettia Bowl in December and are excited to return in 2015,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. “San Diego has hosted some of the great football moments in our program’s history, and I’m excited for our large fan base in Southern California to have other opportunities to see us play in person.”

BYU will play in San Diego if bowl eligible and not selected to the College Football Playoff. The Poinsettia Bowl is currently in discussions with the Mountain West Conference to continue its partnership through the 2019 game. The MWC has partnered with the Poinsettia Bowl since its inception in 2005.

BYU played in the eighth annual Poinsettia Bowl following the 2012 regular season. Fueled by an incredible effort from All-American linebacker Kyle Van Noy and the nation’s No. 3 ranked defense, the Cougars scored 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat San Diego State 23-6.

Despite having just one appearance in the Poinsettia Bowl, BYU is no stranger to the postseason in San Diego. The Cougars participated in the first seven Holiday Bowls from 1978 to 1984, then returned four more times between 1988 and 1993. In the 1984 Holiday Bowl, BYU defeated the Michigan Wolverines to cap an undefeated season and earn a national championship.

“We are proud to have the Cougars locked in for our 2015 game,” said San Diego Bowl Game Association executive director Bruce Binkowski. “BYU played a significant role in the growth and success of the Holiday Bowl. Last year we began a new tradition when the Cougars played in the SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl for the first time. We have a long-standing and loyal relationship with the University and its loyal fans. Looking down the road and knowing they will be back in San Diego is a win-win for everyone.”

BYU has a storied bowl history that dates back to the 1974 Fiesta Bowl. Since then the Cougars have been invited to 31 bowls, including eight-consecutive bowl games under Bronco Mendenhall — the most since a string of 17 consecutive bowls under LaVell Edwards from 1978-94. BYU has won four-consecutive bowl games for the first time in program history and six of its last eight postseason contests. From 2005-12, no team has won more than BYU’s six bowl games in that timespan.

Dates, kickoff times and broadcast plans will be announced at a later date.