Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota's first bowl appearance in three
years will come in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, with the university
announcing Sunday that it has accepted an invitation to play in the Houston-
based game.
The Gophers went 6-6 to become postseason-eligible for the first time since
2009, when they lost to Iowa State in the Insight Bowl.
"We look forward to playing in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas and will
work hard to make the Big Ten Conference and Gophers fans proud," said
Minnesota athletics director Norwood Teague. "It is an honor to accept this
invitation, and we look forward to working with Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
Executive Director Heather Houston and all the staff and volunteers to make
this one of the most enjoyable and successful bowl games of the holiday
season."
Minnesota, which had won a total of only six games over the previous two
seasons, defeated bowl-eligible teams Syracuse and Purdue during head coach
Jerry Kill's second year at the helm to qualify.
"The Minnesota Golden Gophers are a team on the rise with an exciting offense
and we look forward to hosting their fans here in Houston for the Meineke Car
Care Bowl of Texas," said Houston.
The Gophers will face a yet-to-be-named opponent from the Big 12 in the Dec.
28 contest, which will take place at Reliant Stadium.
Minnesota will be attempting to end a four-game losing streak in bowl
matchups, with the program's last victory coming over Alabama in the 2004
Music City Bowl.
The Sports Network