SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (7-5) vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE (9-3)
Time: 6:30 p.m. TV: ESPN
Line: Southern Miss by 3 1/2
Series: First meeting.
What’s at stake: Southern Miss is a respected mid-major. Middle Tennessee would like to be one too. Knocking off the Golden Eagles would be a great way for the Blue Raiders to finish off their best season since joining the top tier of college football for the 1999 season.
Key matchup: DeAndre Brown vs. bad memories. In last year’s New Orleans Bowl, the Southern Miss receiver suffered a horrific broken leg that left part of it hanging at a 90-degree angle. He returned this season to lead the Golden Eagles with 43 catches for 720 yards and seven TDs.
Southern Mississippi’s last bowl: 2008 New Orleans, 30-27 OT win vs. Troy
Middle Tennessee’s last bowl: 2006 Motor City, 31-14 loss vs. Central Michigan
The Associated Press
