What makes a bowl game better? A rivalry game wrapped in a bowl package. This year the Armed Forces Bowl will be renewing The Battle For The Bell 30-year rivalry. It has unfortunately been on a 10-year hiatus due to conference expansion and realignments. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles lead the series over the Tulane Green Wave, 23-7. So, they will be competing for the Bell as well as The Armed Forces Bowl Trophy. While the AFB trophy was traveling the country, The Bell got a fresh paint job for the special occasion.
Armed Forces Bowl Preview and Game Day Guide
Fresh paint job and it needs to stay in Hattiesburg! @USMGoldenEagles @SouthernMissFB @GreenWaveFB #BattlefortheBell | #LMAFB pic.twitter.com/6w10pizAf5
— Brad Smith, Ed.D. (@BradSmithUTSA) December 27, 2019
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Southern Miss finished the regular season with a No. 23 ranking in passing. They utilized a solid passing game during the 2019 regular season with an average of 288.6 yards per game. The experienced offensive line made things easier for junior quarterback Jack Abraham, who threw for 3,329 yards this season while hitting 13 different receivers. Tim Jones leads the pack with 66 catches. Quez Watkins had 55 receptions for 1,052 yards. They should also have Jordan Mitchell back at full strength after he missed most of the season due to injury. Kevin Perkins and De’Michael Harris should make an impact on the ground for the Golden Eagles.
Tulane Green Wave
The Green Wave averaged 33.3 points per game this season and ran for nearly 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns. Lead by quarterback Justin McMillan, a graduate transfer from LSU, passed for 2,229 yards and rushed for 704 with 26 total touchdowns. Running back Corey Dauphine, with 7 touchdowns leads the backfield. Amare Jones, Cameron Carroll, and Darius Bradwell all rushed for a combined 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Bowl Week Activities
Kickoff Luncheon
You can attend the Kickoff Luncheon on Friday, January 3rd at 11:30 am. Darren Woodson, a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection for the Dallas Cowboys, will serve as the keynote speaker. The coaches and players for Southern Miss and Tulane will be in attendance. The luncheon will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center. A limited amount of tickets are available to the public. Buy your tickets here.
Ulterra Tailgate Outpost
The Ulterra Tailgate Outpost is open from 7:30 am – 10:00 am and is free to the public. Lot 3 outside Amon G. Carter Stadium. The fans can enjoy the family-friendly interactive displays in the Lockheed Martin Techno Zone. There will be current and vintage military hardware, numerous food trucks, as well as team pep rallies and more. Be sure to check out the Military OneSource Family Zone where you can kick a field goal, get your face painted, and toss a football. The American Red Cross is sponsoring the Veterans Village inside the tailgate. The Veterans Village is made up of non-profit military organizations designed to provide assistance to our armed forces veterans.
During The Game
All branches of the armed forces will be featured during the game. There is the Wall of Heroes that will be on display in the stadium during the game. You can also submit your hero to be included on the wall next year. There will be extra special presentations such as The Great American Patriot Award, The Purple Heart Warrior Tribute, and conclude with both of the trophies Presentations and a fireworks display.
