The No. 18 Virginia Cavaliers accepted an invitation yesterday to play in the MPC Computers Bowl in Boise, Idaho on Dec. 27 at 2 p.m., according to an official statement from the Virginia Athletics Office. A formal announcement of Virginia's opponent for the bowl game is expected today, though the opponent will likely be Fresno State from the Western Athletic Conference.
Negotiations over the last few days between the MPC Bowl, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East Conference that aimed to send the Cavaliers to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. did not result in a final agreement. The ACC sought to accommodate Virginia's decision not to play during final exams from Dec. 13 to 21, which would have prevented the Cavaliers from attending the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 21.
"A lot of talk had been going around about those negotiations," MPC Bowl Executive Director Gary Beck said. "We had some discussions, and there were a lot of different variables. But, for our match-up, Virginia was the best possible choice."
The MPC Bowl expressed its enthusiasm about hosting the Cavaliers in Boise.
"The board of directors is extremely excited to have the Cavaliers, a national program with great fans," Beck said. Boise "is large enough to entertain, but small enough to avoid distractions for the players."
The bowl game marks the third consecutive postseason appearance for the Cavaliers, and the first for Virginia on the fabled blue turf of Bronco Stadium. The MPC Bowl has hosted ACC teams Georgia Tech and Clemson over the last three years. The Cavaliers will be the highest ranked team to play at the bowl.
Following his team's loss Saturday to Virginia Tech, Virginia head coach Al Groh said he looked forward to the Cavaliers' bowl game, regardless of location.
"We're looking forward to playing another game," Groh said Saturday. "And we're looking forward to winning against whomever and wherever we play."
The players, especially the seniors, said they look forward to ending their season and their college careers on a winning note.
"We want another chance to win another game," senior safety Marquis Weeks said. "That's the only way I want to end my career at the University of Virginia."
Tickets to the MPC Computers Bowl will cost $50 and may be purchased online or through the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office beginning today at 9 a.m.