Dec. 5, 2010

CBSsports.com Talks about the Matchup and their Predictions

It will be the 29th meeting between the two schools in football with the Golden Eagles holding an 18-9-1 series advantage.

"(First-year coach) Charlie (Strong) has done a tremendous job with those guys this year getting them into a bowl game and I am sure they are going to be excited about playing down there," said Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora Sunday following the Golden Eagles' first bowl practice.

The game marks first time the two teams will have met for a bowl game and the initial time a contest in the series has been played outside either the states of Mississippi or Kentucky. In fact, only one game has been played outside the city of either school and that was a 1952 contest in which Southern Miss won 55-26 in Jackson, Miss.

The two teams did meet each other every season from 1978 until 1991 and both were members of Conference USA from 1996 until 2004. The Cardinals left the league for the Big East Conference following that season.

Since the Cardinals departure from C-USA, the two teams have played once and that last meeting came during the 2009 campaign with UofL capturing a 25-23 decision at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.

The Southern Miss Department of Athletics wants Golden Eagle fans to know that the priority deadline for tickets is Dec. 10. Ticket prices are $30 for the general public, $20 for students and $20 for band donations. Fans can go online at SouthernMiss.com, call 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visit the Pat Ferlise Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m., until 5 p.m., to purchase tickets. From premium packages (suites, club level, Bud Light Lounge) please contact the Southern Miss Athletic Ticket Office.

Incentives have also been developed for those fans wishing to purchase multiple tickets. For purchasers of 10-19 tickets, they will receive a $30 gift card from Campus Book Mark. For 20-29 tickets bought, those individuals will receive a $30 gift card to Campus Book Mart and a bowl watch. For ticket purchases of 30 or more tickets, they will receive a $30 gift card from Campus Book Mart, a bowl watch and a duffel bag.

Fans will also receive a free ticket of their choice to one of the Hardwood Club Basketball Classic contests, with each bowl ticket purchase, to be held at Reed Green Coliseum, Dec. 29-30.

Students may purchase tickets immediately, one with their current University ID, and will be made available for pickup beginning Dec. 8.

Please note that all tickets are will call only and none will be mailed. General public ticket pickup begins Dec. 14.

For those wishing to pick up their tickets on game day, the will call at Tropicana field will open at 4 p.m. and be located at Gate 4. The stadium does not open until 6 p.m., that evening.