Like the past two years, the New Mexico Bowl this year will feature no teams from New Mexico.
Mountain West Conference member BYU and Conference USA member UTEP accepted invitations to play in the bowl game held at University Stadium on Dec. 18.
Jeff Siembieda, the executive director of the New Mexico Bowl, said the match-up should attract hordes of fans, both local and regional.
“I have a strong respect for the Cougars’ program, its proud tradition and passionate fans,” he said. “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 year’s game.”
The last two New Mexico Bowls featured tight-knit contests.
Two years ago, Colorado State scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Fresno State 40-35. Last year, Wyoming outlasted Fresno State in a double overtime affair, 35-28.
BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, whose Cougar team started 2-5 and finished 6-6, said his program is glad to be in a bowl after a shaky start.
“We look forward to the opportunity to continue to improve our team and build for the future,” he said in a statement.
The New Mexico Bowl traditionally features teams from the MWC and Western Athletic Conference, but a Conference USA member will be in this year’s bowl instead.
UTEP accepted an official invitation Friday, its first bowl appearance since 2005.
Siembieda said with UTEP’s invitation, University Stadium has the potential to be at near capacity since El Paso is within driving distance.
“It just seems to be a natural,” he said. “With the regional proximity, the great history UTEP athletics has in this area and being able to renew an old rivalry between the Miners and BYU, I’m really excited about this game.”
The Miners finished 6-6 and defeated the Lobos 38-20 on Oct. 2 at University Stadium. The Miners will make their second trip to University Stadium this season.
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UTEP head coach Mike Price said BYU poses a threat to his team.
“We’re excited about renewing our long-standing rivalry with BYU in the New Mexico Bowl,” he said in a statement. “It’s a great opportunity for our fans to drive down for the game, enjoy postseason play and take in the great city of Albuquerque.”
*New Mexico Bowl
BYU vs. UTEP
Dec. 18, 2 p.m.
University Stadium*
