The countdown officially begins, 29 days till the Sun Bowl and Sunday night the Sun Bowl Association officially announced the University of Southern California will take on Georgia Tech on New Year's Eve. 

The 79th annual Sun Bowl will see to teams with big names and even bigger fan bases.  This is Georgia Tech's second trip in a row to the Sun Bowl and USC said they are looking forward to being in bowl after NCAA sanctions forced them to sit out the last two years 

"These are two prestigious schools, one from each coast and I think it will create a lot of excitementlocally," said Hyundai Sun Bowl Association President Gary Hanson.

But their records are causing mixed reaction in the Sun City. 

"I am very excited I really am," said Tony Rivera of East El Paso 

But some aren't as thrilled by the prospect. 

"How did they land at our Sun Bowl? I thought we had bigger and badder teams lined up every year. Kind of surprising I guess," said Robin Montoya of West El Paso. 

USC ranked No. 1 in the pre-season fell out of the standings to finish 7-5 and Georgia Tech finishing with a losing record of 6-7.

"How did they wind up here if they truly have a losing record? That's odd," said Montoya. 

A clause in the Sun Bowl'ss contract with the ACC allows them To take the losing team from The ACC Championship if it falls To Sun Bowl selection. Georgia Tech fell to Florida State Saturday night. 

"They were able to get a waiver. again they qualified for the ACC championship which is a great accomplishment. They were narrowly defeated last night so we are honored to have them here. They were great guests last year. They enjoyed they're stay and are excited about coming back," said Hanson. 

But football fan Rivera says he's never missed a Sun Bowl and doesn't intend to miss this match up. 

"I think it will be an excellent match as a matter of fact. I think they will bring a lot of people to El Paso," Rivera said. "I've never missed a Sun Bowl and I never will," he added. 

Rivera said despite what you may see on paper these are two quality teams, he explained you have to look at the caliber of the teams they played all year. 

"The completion in those big conferences are very different than for example USA conference," said Rivera. 

Hanson added USC is bringing a solid team packed with standout stars. 

"A lot of future stars probably in the NFL are on that team. It will be great to have them here," Said Hanson 

For some El Pasoans, the Sun Bowl is sometimes bigger than just two teams

"It's a family tradition it's a city tradition," said Montoya. 

Though she admits she's not sure if she will buy tickets this year.