UCLA pitted against Wyoming in Las Vegas Bowl

— -- LAS VEGAS -- It's a familiar field but a brand new opponent for the Bruins. UCLA returns to the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 23 for the second time in three years, squaring off against Wyoming for the first time ever. The Bruins, who ended their season Saturday with a hard-fought 29-24 loss to No. 1 Southern California, tied for fifth in the Pac-10 and will be making their 26th bowl appearance. UCLA (6-5) last played in the Las Vegas Bowl in 2002, defeating New Mexico 27-13. "It's my understanding that the players enjoyed their experience in 2002 and we are looking forward to the trip and the contest against Wyoming," said UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell. Wyoming (6-5) completed its season Nov. 20 with a 9-16 loss to New Mexico. The Cowboys finished in a three-way tie for fourth in the Mountain West Conference with Air Force and Colorado State. Each had a 3-4 record in the league. But Wyoming, at 6-5 overall, was one of only three MWC teams that were bowl-eligible, along with champion Utah and runner-up New Mexico. Since the Mountain West has tie-ins with three bowls -- Las Vegas, Emerald and Liberty -- the Cowboys were assured an invitation to one. The Cowboys haven't appeared in a postseason game since the Copper Bowl in 1993, and have never met UCLA on the football field. "We are delighted to welcome back UCLA as they bring a strong football tradition to the bowl game," said Tina Kunzer-Murphy, the bowl's executive director. "They played USC extremely tough in their season finale and the Pac-10 Conference continues to display great national recognition." The Las Vegas Bowl will be played at UNLV's 40,000-seat Sam Boyd Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:45 p.m. PST, and ESPN will televise the game. Each team will get a payout of about $750,000. Last year, Oregon State sprinted to a 55-14 victory over New Mexico, and Utah beat USC 10-6 in 2001. ------ On the Net: Las Vegas Bowl: http://www.lvbowl.com