The SMU Mustangs and the TCU Horned Frogs are bowl bound again.
For the first time in the past three years, the Frogs will not be going to a BCS Bowl game, but TCU did draw an old familiar bowl with their acceptance of the Poinsettia Bowl. Though not a high profile bowl, it is a game in sunny San Diego where TCU has had tons of success. The Horned Frogs will be in their first-ever matchup against Louisiana Tech, winners of the Western Athletic Conference. Head Frog Gary Patterson seemed fine with the choice:
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to play in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl,” Patterson said. “Our players have had an unbelievable experience in our past trips to the game. The bowl committee and the redcoats are outstanding with their hospitality. Bowl games are a great reward for your players. We are looking forward to making the trip to San Diego.
“We have a lot of respect for Louisiana Tech and coach Sonny Dykes. They’re conference champions and have had an outstanding season with some very impressive wins. They’ve gone on the road and beat an SEC team. They are very skilled on both sides of the ball.”
The Mustangs will be heading to Birmingham, AL to play Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl on January 7, 2012. It will be the Ponies’ third straight bowl appearance under head coach June Jones. The Panthers are the 5th place team out of the annually weak Big East and are 6-6 on the year. This is a chance for the Mustangs to show they belong in a BCS conference.
S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia
TCU vs. Louisiana Tech
San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium
December 21, 7 pm CST, ESPN
BBVA Compass Bowl
SMU vs. Pittsburgh
Birmingham, AL
Legion Field,
Jamuary 7, 2012 12 pm CST, ESPN
