2011-2012
College Football Season
Sun Bowl
Preview

"We’re tremendously excited about a great matchup between two great programs from outstanding conferences," said Mike Rogers, Sun Bowl Association president. "Georgia Tech is making its 15th straight bowl appearance and 40th overall, while Utah is making its ninth straight, including victories over Alabama and Pittsburgh in two BCS bowls during that period."

Georgia Tech (8-4, 5-3 ACC) finished second in the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division and is making its second appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. The Yellow Jackets defeated Texas Tech 17-9 on Dec. 19, 1970.

"Our team is excited for the opportunity to play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl," Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson said. "Our players worked hard this season and we're excited to have another game to play.

"We will face a very good Utah team that played its best football down the stretch. Coach (Kyle) Whittingham and his staff do a very good job and they will be very prepared."

The Yellow Jackets are making their 15th consecutive bowl appearance, tied for fourth-longest active streak among FBS schools, and will play in their 40th bowl game overall (22-17) tying for the 12th most nationally.

"Georgia Tech defeated ACC champion Clemson earlier this season. Utah comes to El Paso having won five of their last seven games," added Rogers. "Coach Whittingham boasts a 6-1 bowl record since taking over for Urban Meyer in Utah in 2005."

Utah (7-5, 4-5 Pac-12), is also making their second appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. The Utes shut out New Mexico 26-0 on New Year’s Day in 1939. It marks the 10th bowl in 11 years for the Utes and the seventh under head coach Kyle Whittingham and the program’s 17th appearance in a bowl game.

"We’re excited about the opportunity to represent the Pac-12 Conference in the Sun Bowl," said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham."This is a longstanding and prestigious bowl game and we are looking forward to playing in El Paso. A Utah team has not played in this bowl in over 70 years so there should be a lot of intrigue and interest from our fan base and around the country.

"We’re proud that yet another Utah senior class will be playing in its fourth postseason game and that is a testament to the commitment our players bring to the program year in and year out."

The 2011 Hyundai Sun Bowl will mark the second meeting between these two teams. The only other meeting was in the 2005 Emerald Bowl when Utah defeated a 13th-ranked Georgia Tech, 38-10.

The 78th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST). CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 44th consecutive year, which is the longest running partnership between a network and a bowl game.

The Congrove Computer Rankings at CollegeFootballPoll.com project Utah as a 2.32-point winner.