(AP) — Middle Tennessee will play San Diego State in the Hawaiʻi Bowl on Dec. 24 on the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi after the bowl game was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Blue Raiders (7-5) announced Monday they have accepted an invitation to play in the game after winning four of their last five to become bowl eligible. Middle Tennessee will be playing in its sixth bowl in eight seasons and 10th overall under coach Rick Stockstill.

San Diego State (7-5) of the Mountain West Conference won five of its final seven to become bowl eligible.

This is the second trip to this bowl for both programs. Middle Tennessee lost 52-35 to Hawaii in 2016, while San Diego State beat Cincinnati 42-7 in 2015. Conference USA teams are 8-4 in the Hawaiʻi Bowl overall.

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