2012 Sun Bowl: USC vs. Georgia Tech game preview, location, history and more

The USC Trojans return to the bowl season after a two-year absence because of NCAA sanctions to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.

Many expected the Trojans to vie for a national title in 2012, but after a strong start to the season, quarterback Matt Barkley and the Trojans were unable to keep pace in the national title hunt. Looking to avoid a six-loss season after a preseason AP No. 1 ranking, the Trojans will be faced with the Yellow Jackets, returning to El Paso, Texas for the Sun Bowl for a second straight year.

Georgia Tech lost last year's edition of the Sun Bowl to the Utah Utes and needed a waiver from the NCAA to be eligible to participate in this year's 79th edition of the game after finishing 6-7 in 2012. The Yellow Jackets lost in the ACC Championship Game to the Florida St. Seminoles, but were able to receive the waiver from the NCAA.

Barkley leads the Trojans with 36 touchdown passes on the season, but the real star of the USC offense this year was receiver Marqise Lee, the Biletnikoff Award winner. Lee caught 112 passes for 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington had another big season, rushing for 638 yards and passing for 1,173 yards with a combined 26 touchdowns.

Game date and time

Dec. 31, 11 a.m. PST

Location

Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas

Spread

USC is a 9.5-point favorite in this New Year's Eve afternoon matchup

TV schedule

CBS

Watch online

CBS Sports Live Player

Radio schedule

ESPN Radio Los Angeles

Last year’s game

Utah Utes 30 vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 27

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