The Panthers will play a bowl game in Phoenix for the second time in three years when they… The Panthers will play a bowl game in Phoenix for the second time in three years when they take on an as of yet undetermined opponent from the Pacific-10 conference in the Insight Bowl on Dec. 26.

Pitt athletics director Steve Pederson, flanked by fullback Lousaka Polite and cornerback Torrie Cox, accepted the bowl invitation from Fiesta Bowl President John Junker during a news conference Tuesday at the Panthers’ practice facility on the South Side.

The Fiesta Bowl, which runs the Insight Bowl, will select an opponent for the Panthers on Sunday, after the conclusion of the college football schedule. Junker said that potential opponents include UCLA, Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington.

“We’re confident that Pittsburgh can come out of this game as a bowl champion this time,” Junker said. “There’s no question that the best team we could have put in the game for matchup terms is the University of Pittsburgh.”

The Panthers last played in the Insight Bowl two years ago, losing to Iowa State, 37-29.

Associate athletics director Jim Earle said the University plans to offer free tickets to students who make the trip to Phoenix, as long as the tickets are reserved in advance.

Beginning today, students can reserve tickets at the Petersen Events Center’s ticket office during normal business hours.