Texas Tech University from the Big 12 and Michigan State from the Big Ten have both accepted invitations to play in 201 Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday, January 2 at 8 p.m. CST in San Antonio’s 65,000 seat Alamodome.
“The Valero Alamo Bowl has a well-deserved reputation for high scoring, competitive games that go down to the wire and deliver top ESPN ratings,” said Gene Dawson, Valero Alamo Bowl Chairman. “This year’s game should be no different as Texas Tech and Michigan State each average 30+ points and over 400 yards of offense per game.”
Texas Tech (8-4, 5-3 Big 12) finished tied for third in the Big 12 Conference South Division after ending the season with a 20-13 against Baylor in front of 71,946 fans at Cowboys Stadium. This is Texas Tech’s third appearance in the Alamo Bowl, holding a 0-2 record.
“Texas Tech is thrilled and excited to return to San Antonio to be part of a wonderful and tradition rich game such as the Valero Alamo Bowl,” said Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers. “This is a credit to Coach Leach, his staff and our talented student-athletes for what has been yet another outstanding season. We are glad for the opportunity to play in San Antonio because it gives our great fans all across the state of Texas the ability to be part of the game.”
“I think the Alamo Bowl is one of the top bowl games in the country and the Red Raiders are happy to be part of this year’s game,” said Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. “We’ve been to 10-straight bowl games and that is something that our program and our fans are extremely proud of.”
Michigan State (6-6, 4-4 Big Ten) finished tied for sixth in the Big Ten Conference after falling to Penn State in the final game of the season. This is Michigan State’s second trip to the Alamo Bowl; they lost their first bout to #21 Nebraska 17-3 in 2003.
“Our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans are looking forward to making the trip to the Valero Alamo Bowl,” said MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis. “Our team and fans had a great experience in San Antonio six years ago – the hospitality there is second to none. We’re also looking forward to reconnecting with many of our alums that live in Texas and the Southwest.”
Hollis said: “Head Coach Mark Dantonio is building a solid foundation for the Michigan State program, and a third-consecutive bowl appearance provides another important block in the process. The team is looking forward to the challenge of playing a quality Big 12 opponent in Texas Tech.”
“An invitation to the Valero Alamo Bowl is a great reward for our young football team,” MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said. “Our players displayed a lot of resilience this season, bouncing back from a 1-3 start while playing one of the nation’s toughest schedules. We played our best football during the second half of the season.”
Dantonio said: “We’re looking forward to representing the Big Ten and Michigan State in San Antonio against a talented and explosive Texas Tech team that ranks among the nation’s Top 10 in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Coach Mike Leach has done a remarkable job at Texas Tech, leading the Red Raiders to 10 straight bowl games. We have a lot to play for, so we’re excited about this opportunity.”
This year’s game will be the 17th installment of the Valero Alamo Bowl and the first meeting between Michigan State and Texas Tech on the football field. Since 1995, the game has matched the Big Ten and the Big 12 Conferences. This combination has produced eight of the Top 25 most-watched games in ESPN bowl history and has averaged a 4.5 rating.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Texas Tech and Michigan State to San Antonio and the Valero Alamo Bowl,” said Derrick Fox, Valero Alamo Bowl President and CEO. “We can’t wait to see the Riverwalk full of red and green as the loyal Red Raider and Spartan fans come to town to support their teams.”
Ticket prices for the 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl are $25-70 and can be purchased online at www.alamobowl.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase tickets at the Alamodome Southwest Box Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.