Colorado State Accepts Invite to New Mexico Bowl

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Colorado State will play Washington State in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 21.

The Mountain West Conference's Rams (7-6) also played in the 2008 New Mexico Bowl, which was the team's last trip to the postseason. The Rams defeated Fresno State 40-35.

The Cougars (6-6) are playing in a bowl for the first time since 2003. Washington State finished the regular season with a 27-17 loss to rival Washington in the Apple Cup, but the team doubled its total wins from the year before — showing steady progress under second-year coach Mike Leach.

While the Cougars were bowl eligible, it did not mean they were guaranteed a postseason berth. Nine teams from the Pac-12 were eligible with just seven conference bowl spots.