The Southeastern Conference has extended its partnership with the Outback Bowl for another four years. The league will continue to send its teams to the annual New Year's Bowl in Tampa through January 2010. "The Southeastern Conference is appreciative of its relationship with the Outback Bowl and we look forward to continuing that partnership through the 2009 season," said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive in a statement. "The Outback Bowl rewards our student-athletes, coaches and fans with an outstanding postseason experience in a New Year's Day bowl trip." Last week, the Big Ten also extended its deal with the Outback Bowl through January 2010. The game has pitted the SEC against the Big Ten for each of the past 10 years and a total of 12 times overall. Georgia beat Wisconsin, 24-21, in the 2005 edition to give the SEC a 7-5 edge over the Big Ten in the bowl's series. "With the SEC playing the Big Ten on New Year's Day we are assured one of the top matchups of all the bowls throughout the four-year extension," remarked bowl president/CEO Jim McVay. The 2006 Outback Bowl is scheduled for January 2 and will mark the 20th anniversary of the contest.