While Arizona State is understandably disappointed about falling short of the Rose Bowl, the Sun Devil football squad still has history left to make.
When Arizona State meets Texas Tech on Dec. 30 in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, the Sun Devils will be competing for just their second 11-win season in more than 35 years. The Sun Devils' last 11-win season came in 1996 when the Sun Devils enjoyed an 11-0 start to the season before falling in devastating fashion to the Ohio State Buckeyes on New Year's Day in 1997.
For those fans looking to make travel arrangements for the Holiday Bowl, many of the details are already set. Here's what we know about Arizona State's bowl matchup.
Holiday Bowl 2013: Texas Tech (7-5, 4-5 in Big 12) vs. No. 14 Arizona State (10-3, 8-2 in Pac-12)
When: 7:15 PT/8:15 MST/10:15 EST on Dec. 30, 2013
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Calif.
TV: ESPN
Home or away? Arizona State will be the visiting team.
Uniforms: Arizona State will wear white jerseys, and the rest of the combination will be announced at a later date
Ticket information: Sign in to SunDevilTickets.com or call 480-965-5333 to reserve bowl game tickets. Sun Devil Club members and Student Ticket holders can purchase tickets immediately.
Bowl Week Activities Schedule
Thursday Dec 26: Team Day at San Diego Zoo
Friday Dec. 27: Team Day at Sea World
Friday Dec 27: U.S. Bank Kickoff Luncheon
Sunday Dec. 29: Navy and Marine Corps Luncheon
Monday Dec. 30: Holiday Bowl Parade
What's at Stake
Aside from an 11-win season, the Sun Devils have plenty to play for this bowl season.
The Sun Devils are looking for their first Holiday Bowl victory in their fourth appearance. Arizona State lost in 1985 to Arkansas, in 2002 to Kansas State and in 2007 to Texas.
Head coach Todd Graham is also looking for his second 11-win season as this year marks the fourth different time the Sun Devil coach has led a team to 10 victories.
With a win, the Sun Devils will also have a chance for their best finish in the Associated Press top 25 poll in 15 years. The Sun Devils have not finished higher than 16th since 1997 when they concluded the season at No. 14 in the polls. A convincing victory and a few losses from teams ahead of them could give Arizona State its best finish since its final ranking of fourth in 1996.