The United States Naval Academy Midshipmen have accepted an invitation to play in the 3rd annual San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, 2007 President Rudy Castruita announced today. The game will be played on Thursday, December 20 at 6 p.m. (PST) at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

"The Naval Academy kicked this bowl game off in grand style when they appeared in the inaugural game two years ago," Castruita said. "We're so excited the rich tradition of Navy is coming back to San Diego."

Navy became bowl eligible today by defeating North Texas 74-62 and earning their sixth win of the season. Navy currently has a 6-4 record, with games against Northern Illinois (November 17) and Army (December 1) still to be played.

"A beautiful setting in a Navy city at one of the finest football venues in the country has everyone excited," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Five bowls in a row is historic for the Academy and our congratulations to Coach Johnson, his staff, our players and the Brigade of Midshipmen for reaffirming that Navy is one of the finest football programs in the nation."

The Poinsettia Bowl marks the first time in school history that Navy has gone to five straight bowl games. Navy can achieve another first by beating Army and winning the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy for a fifth consecutive year.

The Naval Academy's appearance in this year's Poinsettia Bowl will mark the third time they have played in a bowl game in San Diego. The Midshipmen defeated the BYU Cougars 24-17 in the first Holiday Bowl in 1978. They beat the Colorado State Rams 51-30 in the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl in 2005.

Navy's opponent will be a team from the Mountain West Conference. The Poinsettia Bowl gets the second selection of bowl eligible teams from the conference. The Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl gets the first pick.

Tickets for the 2007 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 619-220-TIXS (8497), or visiting www.poinsettiabowl.net.