JACKSONVILLE, FL (AP) -- Storied Michigan and surprising Mississippi State will play in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day.

The Gator Bowl, beginning a four-year contract that pits teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference, went with the winningest program in college football history and a team that enjoyed one of the biggest turnarounds this season.

It's a matchup bowl officials hope will draw fans and television ratings, and possibly lure a title sponsor.

The Wolverines (7-5) are back in a bowl game after consecutive losing seasons under coach Rich Rodriguez. The No. 21 Bulldogs (8-4), meanwhile, are returning to a bowl for the first time in three years and first under second-year coach Dan Mullen.

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