The Brigham Young University Cougars will play in the 2012 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl with a six win or better regular season, San Diego Bowl Game Association President Eric Graves announced today.

“We’re thrilled to have the Cougars set to play in the eighth annual bowl game,” Graves said. “BYU played a significant role in the growth and success of the Holiday Bowl. It’s so fitting that they, along with their incredibly loyal fans, will join us and participate in San Diego’s newer game, the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.”

While the Cougars have not yet played in the Poinsettia Bowl, they are no strangers to the post-season in San Diego. They participated in the first seven Holiday Bowls, then returned four more times between 1988 and 1993. In those eleven appearances, they notched four wins against six losses and one tie. In the 1984 Holiday Bowl, they defeated the Michigan Wolverines to cap an undefeated season and a National Championship.

"This is an important step for our football program as we begin playing an independent schedule," said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. "BYU and San Diego share a rich bowl history, and we have a large fan base in Southern California. San Diego is a great destination city. We look forward to returning in 2012.”

The Cougars will face a top team from the Mountain West Conference. Since the event’s inception, the bowl has received the second selection from the conference.

The 2010 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl kicks off at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 23rd at Qualcomm Stadium. The Navy Midshipmen (9-3) will face the San Diego State Aztecs (8-4). Tickets can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting TicketMaster.com.