The Gophers will play New Mexico in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix on Dec. 26.

Bowl projections had the Gophers playing against Iowa State (8-4) in the Rate Bowl, but the Cyclones opted out of the bowl due to “lack of healthy players to safely practice and play”

Iowa State, which is also going through a coaching change from Matt Campbell to Jimmy Rogers, was fined $500,000 by the Big XII for declining a bowl invitation.

With Kansas State also opting out, the bowl picked a Mountain West program.

The Gophers had a memorable experience in Phoenix in 2021, beating West Virginia in the then-named Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. More than 4,000 Gopher fans attended the game at Arizona Diamondbacks’ home venue.

The Gophers reached six wins and bowl eligibility with a 23-20 over

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