An at-large opponent for the Horned Frogs, set to make their eighth bowl appearance in the last nine years, will be announced later.

The Poinsettia Bowl is the first game in the 2006 bowl season. Kickoff is 5 p.m. Pacific with the contest televised on ESPN2.

"The entire Poinsettia Bowl family looks forward to welcoming the Horned Frogs and their loyal fans to San Diego next month," 2006 Poinsettia Bowl chairman Rudy Castruita said. "Their exciting brand of football surely will make for what will prove to be a very memorable performance for football fans all around the country."

TCU (9-2, 5-2) has won six in a row to tie for the eighth-longest current streak in the nation. The Frogs close their regular season Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. home contest against Air Force. A victory would give TCU its fourth 10-win season in the last five years.

"This invitation is a great compliment to our football program," TCU athletics director Danny Morrison said. "Congratulations go to Coach (Gary) Patterson, his staff and our players on another excellent year.

"The crowd we had at last year's bowl game in Houston was phenomenal with a sea of purple in the stands. It is important for everyone to purchase their tickets through TCU. Support of TCU in this game could have future bowl implications for us."

The Frogs will be in their 23rd bowl game. TCU defeated Iowa State, 27-24, in last year's EV1.net Houston Bowl.

"We are excited to receive the invitation to play in the Poinsettia Bowl," TCU football coach Gary Patterson said. "We look forward to going to San Diego. This is a great destination trip for our fans and alumni."

Last year's inaugural Poinsettia Bowl saw Navy post a 51-30 victory over Colorado State.

Tickets for the 2006 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl can be purchased on-line at TCU's Web site, www.gofrogs.com, or by calling (817) 257-FROG.