Memphis, TN -- (Sports Network) - The University of Memphis has accepted an invitation to play in the New Orleans Bowl, to be held December 21 against the champion of the Sun Belt Conference.

Memphis accepted the bid Saturday following a 55-52 triple-overtime victory over the SMU Mustangs. It was the longest game in Memphis history.

"What a great reward for this football team," Tigers head coach Tommy West said. "For this team to come together the way it did this year and battle back from so many adversities; this bowl invitation is a tribute to what they have accomplished and overcome."

Memphis played the University of North Texas in the 2003 New Orleans Bowl, marking the Tigers' first bowl appearance in over 30 years. Memphis won that game, 27-17.

The Tigers rallied from a 2-4 mark in mid-October to win five of the team's final six games of the season. Memphis became bowl eligible with its win over UAB on November 17 and finished the season with a 7-5 mark after Saturday's triumph.