AMES (ISU) — The Iowa State football team will be returning to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis after a visit more than four decades ago under legendary coach Johnny Majors. The Cyclones will play in the 2012 AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. against Conference USA Champion Tulsa. The game will be televised by ESPN.

“Our football team is extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to play in one of college football’s most historic bowl games,” Coach Paul Rhoads said. “We are honored to represent the Big 12 and participate in a bowl with the outstanding reputation of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. I am excited that our fans can drive to the site, support our team and enjoy the festivities. Memphis will be colored Cardinal and Gold for the New Year.”

Iowa State played in the 1972 AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Georgia Tech and the game drew the second-largest attendance in the bowl’s history at that time. George Amundsen hit Ike Harris on a five-yard TD pass to cut a Tech lead to 31-30 but the two-point PAT failed.