BYU football: A look at the Cougars' 31 bowl appearances, 1974-2012

These days, all a college football team has to do to earn a ticket to a bowl game is post a winning record. But 30 or 40 years ago, just being invited to a bowl was a big deal, and winning was even bigger.

Thursday's Poinsettia Bowl against San Diego State was the 31st bowl game in which the Cougars have played. They've posted a 13-17-1 record, with some incredible highs (the 1980 "Miracle" Holiday Bowl) and embarrassing lows (a 65-14 loss in the 1990 Holiday Bowl).

Here's a brief look at all 31 postseason games the Cougars have played, dating back to 1974.