KALAMAZOO — Western Michigan University accepted its seventh bowl berth in program history Tuesday, as it will play at noon in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 24 in Nassau against Conference USA opponent Middle Tennessee State.

The bowl berth marks the first time in program history the Broncos have gone to bowls in consecutive seasons, both coming under head coach P.J. Fleck.

“It is truly another great day to be a Bronco,” Western Michigan athletic director Kathy Beauregard said. “We are proud to be able to represent the Mid-American Conference in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The student-athletes and staff have worked incredibly hard in pursuit of this once in a lifetime experience. We are truly ecstatic to be able to showcase our Broncos, our University and our greater Kalamazoo community in a nationally televised appearance on ESPN. We take great pride in being able to provide Broncos everywhere the opportunity to watch and cheer our Broncos from wherever they may be in the world.”

Western Michigan is coming off its first win over a ranked team in program history, beating No. 24 Toledo 35-30 last Friday. The Broncos (7-5) earned their first share of the MAC West Division championship since 2000 with a 6-2 record in the league.

“We’re thrilled to be going to the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and to play against an elite Middle Tennesse State team,” Fleck said. “It is an elite reward for our players and staff for all the work they’ve done. We continue to accomplish ‘nevers’ in our program as this is the first time in program history we’ve gone to bowl games in consecutive seasons. With elite preparation and execution we hope to also earn our first bowl victory in program history.”

On the field, the Broncos feature the top-receiving duo in the country in Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis with 185 combined receptions. They will be paired against the second best receiving duo in the country in Richie James and Ed’Marques Batties of Middle Tennessee who have 177 combined receptions.

“We are pleased that Western Michigan will be completing in the 2015 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl,” said Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Executive Director Richard Giannini. “Coach Fleck and his staff have done a tremendous job in preparing the Broncos all season long, and their victory over a ranked Toledo team was one of the biggest in the MAC this year. We are excited to have a strong 2015 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl with a pair of 7-5 teams in Western Michigan and Middle Tennessee, and we look forward to what will be a great bowl week in Nassau with both universities and their fans.”