HONOLULU (AP) - Fresno State says it has accepted an invitation to play SMU in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu on Christmas Eve.

Bowl and Fresno State athletics officials confirmed Sunday that The Bulldogs (9-3) will play in the Dec. 24 game against the Mustangs (6-6).

Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter says his team is in for a good week and a challenge in competing against SMU. Fresno State finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Mountain West.

SMU accepted its invitation last week. SMU Athletics Director Rick Hart said the game is a tremendous reward for the school's players. SMU finished second in Conference USA's West Division.

Kickoff is scheduled for about 8 p.m. EST (3 p.m. in Hawaii). The game will be televised on ESPN.