Dec. 4, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern University Director of Athletics Mark Murphy and Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas have announced that the University has accepted a bid to play in the 72nd Annual Vitalis Sun Bowl, Friday, Dec. 30 in El Paso, Texas.

The Wildcats (7-4), the Big Ten Conference representative, will play UCLA (9-2), the Pac-10 Conference representative, in the 72nd annual event, which kicks off at 1:15 p.m. CST. The Vitalis Sun Bowl is the second-oldest bowl game in the country. It is being televised by CBS Sports for a 38th consecutive year.

"We're extremely excited about the opportunity to play in a bowl game, and especially in El Paso at the Vitalis Sun Bowl," said Murphy. "Everyone who has had an affiliation with this bowl has raved about the Sun Bowl's organization and hospitality. Northwestern is proud to represent the Big Ten this year in one of the country's most tradition-rich bowls."

Northwestern gained its bowl berth by winning seven games and finishing in a four-way tie for third place (5-3) in the Big Ten with Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin. The Vitalis Sun Bowl pits the fifth selection from the Big Ten vs. the third selection from the Pac-10. UCLA finished in third place in the Pac-10 with a 6-2 record.

"I'm excited for our football team, especially our group of seniors who have done such a tremendous job leading our football team this year," said head coach Randy Walker. "I've been to the Sun Bowl before (as an assistant coach with North Carolina in 1982) and know what an outstanding experience this will be for our team. We're also excited to play one of the top Pac-10 teams in UCLA."

Northwestern fans are urged to purchase their tickets through the Northwestern Ticket Office. Tickets can be purchased beginning at noon Monday (Dec. 5). Telephone orders will not be taken, but tickets can be purchased online at NUsports.com, in person at the ticket office or by mailing in an application, which will be found on the Northwestern web site starting Monday.

The 'Cats are making their sixth all-time postseason bowl appearance, and their fifth in the last 11 years.

The matchup between Northwestern and UCLA features two of the nation's top offensive teams. Both teams are led by outstanding quarterbacks: senior Brett Basanez for Northwestern and senior Drew Olson for UCLA. The Wildcats rank eighth nationally in total offense (492.7 ypg) while the Bruins rank 24th (429.0 ypg).

QUOTES FROM THE VITALIS SUN BOWL COMMITTEE

Northwestern vs. UCLA

Team Selection -- Wayne Thornton, Sun Bowl Association, President
"We are really excited about the possibilities of this matchup. It will be an offensive explosion. The real fireworks will come the day before New Year's, when Northwestern and UCLA tangle in El Paso."

Northwestern Selection -- Wayne Thornton, Sun Bowl Association, President
"It will be very special to have our final representative from the Big Ten Conference to come from such a prestigious school as Northwestern University. Randy Walker is one of the true up-and-coming coaches in America and we are excited to be a part of Northwestern's recent success. We look forward to hosting a team that has never been to the Vitalis Sun Bowl before and giving them the same hospitality that El Paso is so famous for providing. And even more so, we look forward to having another offense showcase from our Big Ten partner."

Team Selection -- Bernie Olivas, Sun Bowl Association, Executive Director
"Once again, we have the possibility of one of the best bowl matchups in the country. With the offenses that both of these teams bring to El Paso, this could make for a very high-scoring and memorable game."

Northwestern Selection -- Bernie Olivas, Sun Bowl Association, Executive Director
"The Sun Bowl Association and El Paso is very excited to have the opportunity to see a team that has never been here before. With the exciting brand of football that the Wildcats put on the field, it is sure to leave a lasting impression the Vitalis Sun Bowl."

Some key Sun Bowl links:

Northwestern Alumni Association Bowl Update

The Sun Bowl

El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau

El Paso Hotel/Motel Association:

El Paso International Airport

El Paso Times

Texas Monthly

El Paso Inc.

Virtual Tour of the Stadium

Tickets/Future Schedules

2012 NGN Auction

The Team

Coaches' Corner

Camps and Clinics

2012 SPRING EXHIBITION

2011 Ryan Field Fan Guide 

BOWL CENTRAL

Ryan Field

Multimedia