Marking the game’s first match-up of teams ranked nationally in the top 20 since 2008.

Michigan State finished the regular season 9-3 (and 7-2 in the Big Ten). The Spartans notched victories against top 10-ranked teams Michigan and Penn State. The team is led by 11th year head coach Mark Dantonio. The Spartans will be making their first appearance in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl. This will be Michigan State’s 10th bowl game appearance under Dantonio, the most for any coach in the program’s history. The Spartans’ overall bowl game record is 11-15.

Washington State completed the regular season 9-3 (and 6-3 in the Pac-12). Their victories against nationally ranked teams included USC and Stanford. Cougars head coach Mike Leach is now in his sixth year leading the program. This year will mark Washington State’s fourth time competing in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl, where their record is 1-2. The Cougars lost to Minnesota 17-12 in 2016. Washington State beat Texas 28-20 in 2003, and lost to BYU 38-36 in 1981. The program’s overall bowl game record is 7-6.

The game will feature one of the nation’s top passing offenses in Washington State, against a stout Michigan State defense. Led by quarterback Luke Falk, the Cougars passed for 4,497 yards in 2017 (averaging 374 yards per game), along with 35 touchdowns. The Spartan defense held opponents to 196 passing yards per game in 2017, and tallied 28 sacks and 13 interceptions (including five by safety David Dowell). Michigan State and Washington State have played head-to-head seven times, with the Spartans leading the series 5-2. The two teams last played in 1977.

2017 Holiday Bowl Festivities:

National Funding Kickoff Luncheon

When: Wednesday, December 27
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: Manchester Grand Hyatt 

Over 1,000 guests annually attend this can’t-miss bowl event and are treated to a great lunch, the heart-pounding sounds of the two university bands, video team highlight presentations and team interviews. Guests have the opportunity to sit and interact with the players and coaches of the participating schools. The event begins with the Carrier Johnson + Culture Battle of the Bands. At the end of the band concert, guests will make their way to the ballroom where they will have the chance to sit and eat with players from their favorite school. In addition to a fantastic lunch, they will be treated to a program featuring the head coaches, team captains and on-air personalities, as well as highlight reels from each team’s season.

Carrier Johnson + Culture Marching Band Showcase

When: Wednesday, December 27
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Horton Plaza Park

Marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities will perform and meet for a heart-pounding Battle of the Bands! The pep rally atmosphere of the Carrier Johnson + Culture Holiday Bowl Marching Band Showcase is fun for the whole family. Make it a night, with plenty of dining options in the surrounding Gaslamp District. This is an outing that you won’t want to miss! The event is free for the public.

Solar Turbines 5K Run/Walk

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 9:45 AM
Where: San Diego Harbor Front

The 23rd annual Solar Turbines 5K at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade will take place along San Diego’s beautiful harbor front, starting on the corner of Harbor Drive and Ash St. and finishing near Ruocco Park. Athletes will run past 100,000 cheering spectators. Runners, families and spectators can watch the remainder of the parade that features colorful floats, bands and huge inflatable characters.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by National Funding

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Downtown San Diego

America’s Largest Balloon Parade. The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons – more than any other parade! Over 100,000 street-side spectators will enjoy the parade along with a nationwide television audience.

Global Winter Wonderland FanZone

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 3:00 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium Parking Lot Section G-1

Pregame like a pro! The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl will again host the FanZone, the ultimate pregame fan experience. Sample the local brews in the craft beer garden! San Diego is home to over 120 craft breweries, so elevate your tailgate game with the best brews in town. Fans can take part in interactive combine-style football skills challenges, from kicking a field goal to passing target practice. Watch a live bowl game or sports action in the sports lounge. Enjoy some of San Diego’s best local food trucks. This is all happening at the FanZone in the parking lot at SDCCU Stadium before the kickoff of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl.

Access to the FanZone is free with a game ticket. Beer Garden wristbands are available for $20 online or $25 at the gate on game day. Must be 21+ with valid ID to enter Beer Garden. Gates open three hours before kickoff. Must show game ticket upon entrance.

Technology Integration Group VIP Tailgate

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 3:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium Parking Lot Section F-1

Over 1,500 guests join the SDCCU Holiday Bowl Board of Directors/Committee, major sponsors, Civic/Military Officials and fans to kick-off their evening of football and fun. Guests will enjoy unlimited food, beer and wine as well as private performances by the college bands and cheerleaders. A limited number of tickets are available to the public. All ages welcome. All VIP tailgate ticket holders will have a private stadium entrance at Gate F.

San Diego International Airport Pregame Show

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

The San Diego International Airport Pregame Show features heart-pounding performances by both university marching bands, spectacular pageantry, parachute jumpers and of course, it wouldn’t be the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl without The Big Flag, the football field size American Flag. Be sure to be in your seats 30 minutes before kickoff!

Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. Halftime Show

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

You’ll want to stay in your seats for the Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. Halftime Show as the excitement continues with world-class pageantry, marching bands and an unbelievable fireworks display that you have to see to believe! This Band, Dance & Cheer Halftime Extravaganza is a production of WorldStrides Heritage Performance Programs.

Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. “Tuition Throw” Contest

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 8:00 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

Don’t miss the Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. “Tuition Throw” contest during the break between the 3rd and 4th quarter of the game. Three lucky fans will compete against each other to see who can throw the most successful passes into a giant Dr Pepper can and attempt to win $100,000 in tuition.

Dr Pepper Most Inspirational Player Award

When: Thursday, December 28
Time: 11:59 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl, in cooperation with Dr Pepper and the Kiwanis Club of San Diego, is proud to continue a program for the 2017 football season that will honor a student-athlete who is often overlooked. The program aims to recognize a San Diego County high school football player “who, through their presence, actions and words of encouragement, serves as an inspirational example to their teammates.