BYU Accepts Invitation to 2010 New Mexico Bowl

PROVO -- Brigham Young University has accepted an invitation to play in the fifth annual New Mexico Bowl, slated for Saturday, Dec. 18, at noon (MT). The game, played at University Stadium on the University of New Mexico campus, kicks off the FBS postseason bowl schedule. It will be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN HD.

“We are anxious to participate in the New Mexico Bowl and to be playing in the opening bowl game of the year,” said BYU head football coach Bronco Mendenhall. “We look forward to the opportunity to continue to improve our team and build for the future.”

After a 1-4 start, BYU (6-6, 5-3 MWC) made a huge push in the second half of the regular season, winning five of its final seven games to become bowl eligible. The Cougars finished in a three-way tie with Air Force and San Diego State for third place in the Mountain West Conference.

“I’m impressed how our football team turned the season around after a slow start,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. “We are very excited to be playing in the New Mexico Bowl. I am happy for our seniors who fought hard to keep our bowl streak alive.”

BYU has a storied bowl history, having made 28 bowl appearances, including five straight in Las Vegas. The Cougars have won three of their last four bowl games, including a 2009 triumph over No. 18 Oregon State, 44-20, at the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas.

“We are excited to welcome BYU to the New Mexico Bowl,” said Jeff Siembieda, Executive Director, New Mexico Bowl. “I have a strong respect for the Cougars’ program, its proud tradition and passionate fans. Combine that with the history that BYU has here in New Mexico and I am very happy that they will be representing the Mountain West Conference in this years’ game.”

The New Mexico Bowl will announce BYU’s opponent at a later date.

The BYU Cougars become the fourth institution to represent the MWC in the New Mexico Bowl, following New Mexico (2006, 2007), Colorado State (2008) and Wyoming (2009). The MWC representative has been victorious in the New Mexico Bowl the past three years.

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