The Alamo Bowl, first played in 1993, matches the second choice from the Pac-12 and the third choice from the Big 12.

The game originally gave an automatic bid to the now-defunct Southwest Conference. Ironically, in the inaugural game, no SWC team participated because only two of the conference's team were bowl-eligible and both of those were committed to other bowls. Iowa was invited -- and lost to Cal 37-3.

Memorable moments

• The 1996 game was marked by tragedy. Iowa linebacker Mark Mitchell's mother was killed in a car accident on her way to the game. The Hawkeyes, which defeated Texas Tech 27-0 in the game, wore plain black helmets in honor of her.

• In 2002, Wisconsin upset No. 14 Colorado 31-28 in overtime. The Badgers finished the season 6-0 in non-conference play -- and 2-6 in the Big Ten.

• The 2005 game had a wild finish. While a multi-lateral play was going on, Nebraska gave its coach a Gatorade bath before the play was blown dead. Nebraska won 32-28.