The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (9-4) took on the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (7-6) on Tuesday afternoon in the New Orleans Bowl from the Caesars Superdome.
The Hilltoppers were trailing this game for three quarters 16-13. In the fourth quarter, they not only shut out the Golden Eagles but scored 14 unanswered points to beat Mississippi State 27-16. It is Western Kentucky’s first bowl win since the 2023 Famous Toastery Bowl.
Western Kentucky’s offense had 422 yards (267 yards passing, 155 yards rushing), 18 first downs, and the team was penalized eight times for 74 yards. Quarterback Maverick McIvor completed 12 of 19 passes (63.1%) for 199 yards, one interception, eight carries for 48 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Marvis Parrish had seven carries for 65 yards and one rushing touchdown, while George Hart III had eight carries for 28 yards, one rushing touchdown, and one catch for one yard. Wide receiver Matthew Henry made seven catches for 126 yards, while Noah Meyers made two catches for 65 yards.
Kicker John Cannon made 2 of 2 field goals (100%) with a long of 31 yards, and made three extra points. The defense made 76 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, eight pass breakups, and one interception.
Southern Mississippi’s offense had 377 yards (258 yards passing, 119 yards rushing), 21 first downs, and the team was penalized 12 times for 100 yards. Quarterback Braylon Braxton completed 24 of 47 passes (51.1%) for 258 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and eight carries for 21 yards.
Running back Jeffery Pittman had 10 carries for 55 yards and two catches for 14 yards, while Robert Briggs had five carries for 36 yards. Wide receiver Tychaun Chapman made three catches for 50 yards and one touchdown, while Bralon Brown made four catches for 48 yards.
Kicker Creighton Wilbanks made 3 of 4 field goals (75%) with a long of 41 yards, and made one extra point. The defense made 58 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and four pass breakups.
