The Poinsettia Bowl originated in 1952 as a military services championship game with the Eastern Military Services Champion against the Western Military Services Champion. Four editions of the game were played before the bowl was removed from the schedule after the 1955 game.

The Poinsettia Bowl was reinstated in 2005 and placed at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Since then, Navy has appeared three times and gone 1-2. TCU is 3-0 in its three appearances, including winning the 2012 contest, defeating hometown San Diego State.

Memorable moments

• In the return of the bowl in 2005, Navy's Reggie Campbell tied the NCAA bowl record for points scored with 30 and also tied the bowl touchdown record with five. Both teams combined for 1,183 yards in that game, also an NCAA bowl record.

• San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman rushed for 228 yards and three touchdowns as the Aztecs defeated Navy 35-14.

• In 2012, BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy seemingly was everywhere in his team's 23-6 win against San Diego State. He recorded 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown, a 17-yard interception and return for a touchdown, and a blocked punt.