Holiday Bowl extends deal with Big 12

<br>SAN DIEGO (AP) _ The Big 12 has extended its agreement with the Holiday Bowl for four more years through 2005. <br><br>The extension, which begins with the 2002 game, will continue to place the third

Friday, December 21st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SAN DIEGO (AP) _ The Big 12 has extended its agreement with the Holiday Bowl for four more years through 2005.

The extension, which begins with the 2002 game, will continue to place the third selection from the Big 12 against the Pacific-10 runner-up. The Pac-10 extended its agreement for the same term earlier this year.

No. 9 Texas plays No. 21 Washington in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28.

In the three Holiday Bowls since the Big 12 started playing the Pac-10 in 1998, the total difference has been just 12 points. Arizona beat Nebraska 23-20 in 1998, Kansas State beat Washington 24-20 in 1999 and Oregon beat Texas 35-30 last year.

A caveat in both the Pac-10 and Big 12 agreements would allow San Diego State the opportunity to play in the Holiday Bowl if it is ranked higher than the best available Big 12 team in the final Bowl Championship Series rankings.

San Diego State has played in the hometown bowl just once in its 23-year history. As Western Athletic Conference champion in 1986, San Diego State lost 39-38 to Iowa.