PROVO — Brigham Young will play in a bowl game for the first time in four years.

The Cougars accepted a bid Tuesday to play in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 22, their first appearance in the postseason since the 2001 Liberty Bowl. BYU's opponent for the game will be invited later.

"We're excited to be back in a bowl game," BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said in statement.

BYU (6-5) ended the season with a 41-34 overtime loss to rival Utah at home on Saturday. But it was still the Cougars first winning season in four years.

Attendance has been low at the Las Vegas Bowl and the game needs a good turnout to keep its certification.

BYU fans haven't had the opportunity to travel after the season since the Cougars went 12-2 in 2001 and are expected to have good turnout in Las Vegas.

"They are a national program with tremendous fan interest not only in their own area but in southern Nevada as well," said Tina Kunzer-Murphy, the Las Vegas Bowl's executive director.