SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — While Iowa State is making its first bowl appearance since 2005, Tempe, Ariz., has become a second home for Minnesota during bowl season..

The Gophers’ appearance in Thursday’s Insight Bowl will be the third time playing in the bowl game in the last four year’s

Minnesota’s familiarity with the game and the experience that surrounds bowl week has given the team an added level of comfort going into its showdown with the Cyclones.

“It gives us an excellent advantage,” said Gopher linebacker Lee Campbell. “We have been past that ‘wow’ factor. Just from the standpoint of most of the seniors on this team and the leadership, we mean business.”

A win on Thursday would be a first for Minnesota in Tempe.

The Gophers have fallen in both of their previous Insight Bowl appearances, losing to Texas Tech 44-41 after blowing a 35-7 lead in 2006, and Kansas 42-21 last season.

Iowa State, however, is undeterred by Minnesota’s perceived experience advantage.

“I don’t believe anything has caught our team off-guard this week in what they have to do,” said Cyclone coach Paul Rhoads said. “I think we will roll into tomorrow night’s game ready for kickoff just like we have for the previous 12 games this season.”