By Chris Coopersmith
SOUTH ALABAMA GAME NOTES
https://usajaguars.com/documents/2023/12/18/Updated_Bowl_Notes.pdf
68 Ventures Bowl
South Alabama (6-6, 4-4 SBC) vs Eastern Michigan (6-6, 4-4 MAC)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 23
Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Mobile, Ala. (Hancock Whitney Stadium)
Watch: ESPN
Listen: Jags Radio Network – WRKH (96.1 FM)
Social: @SouthAlabamaFB
NOTES
–For the first time in program history, South Alabama will be playing in back-to-back bowl games in consecutive seasons. The Jags went 10-2 during the 2022 regular season and ended the year by playing in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
–The 2023 68 Ventures Bowl will be played on South Alabama’s home field in Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars are one of just two teams playing in their own stadium in a bowl game this year. Memphis will also play in its home stadium against Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl.
–A win would not only be the first bowl championship in program history, but it would secure the first pair of consecutive winning seasons in school history as a full Division I participant. South Alabama produced three-straight winning seasons in the first-three years of the program’s existence, but the Jaguars were not yet a full Division I program as they were making the transition to full membership in the Sun Belt Conference.
QUOTES
“I’m really excited to be representing our community in the 68 Ventures Bowl. I think to have Mobile’s football team play in Mobile’s bowl game is going to be a very special thing for the South Alabama fan base and the people in our community.”
-Head Coach Kane Wommack on the team’s invitation to the 68 Ventures Bowl
“Yesterday was a very exciting day to be invited to the 68 Ventures Bowl game here in Mobile. What a tremendous opportunity for our team and our program, and the university and the City of Mobile. We appreciate the invitation and we encourage people to capitalize on that invitation and make plans to attend and support us at Hancock Whitney Stadium.”
-Director of Athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann on South Alabama accepting an invitation to the 68 Ventures Bowl
ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan finished the 2023 regular season with an identical 6-6 record to South Alabama, and went 4-4 in Mid-American Conference play. The Eagles are coached by Chris Creighton who owns a 52-67 record at EMU in his 10th season at the helm of the program. Eastern Michigan held a 4-6 record entering its final-two games of the season, but defeated Akron in overtime and beat Buffalo on the road in the season finale to clinch bowl eligibility.
SERIES HISTORY
The 68 Ventures Bowl will mark the first-ever meeting between the Jaguars and Eagles.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
For complete coverage of South Alabama football, follow the Jags on social media @SouthAlabamaFB (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaFB (Facebook), @SouthAlabamaFB (Instagram) or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at usajaguars.com.
COURTESY SOUTH ALABAMA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
