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Photo Credit: Ryan Gayle

The Game:

• Final Score: South Alabama 30, Western Michigan 23
• Weather: Partly cloudy, 62 degrees, ESE 9 mph
• Coin Toss: WMU won the toss and deferred to second half
• USA Captains: Jeremiah Webb, Todd Justice and Wy’Kevious Thomas
• WMU Captains: Tate Hallock, Hayden Wolff, Boone Bonnema and Jacob Gideon

General Notes:

• South Alabama defeated Western Michigan 30-23 in the 11th annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
• 10 of the 11 IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl games have been decided by one score

• South Alabama made its second appearance in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
• The Jaguars played in the inaugural game in 2014, losing to Bowling Green 33-28
• South Alabama is now 1-1 all-time at the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

• Western Michigan made its first appearance in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
• The Broncos are the ninth different MAC team to play in the bowl
• Akron, Central Michigan and Kent have not played in Montgomery

• South Alabama senior receiver Jeremiah Webb was the 2024 Bart Starr MVP award winner
• Webb caught six passes for a IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl record 182 yards and two touchdowns
• The previous record was 180 yards by Arkansas State WR Omar Bayless in 2014
• His two TD receptions tied the bowl record
• Webb had 156 yards on the Jaguars three scoring drives in the first half
• He caught four passes for 138 yards and added an 18-yard run on the three drives

• South Alabama set the single-game bowl total offense record with 537 yards
• The Jaguars had 271 passing yards and 266 rushing yards in the win over WMU
• The previous record was 525 total yards by Arkansas State in 2019

• South Alabama QB Bishop Davenport finished with 356 total yards
• The 356 total yards were the fifth most by a player in bowl history
• Davenport completed 15-of-24 passes for 271 yards with two TDs and one interception
• He ran the ball 11 times for 85 yards and one TD
• His 50-yard TD run in the third quarter was the longest rushing TD in bowl history

• South Alabama RB Kentrell Bullock finished with 131 rushing yards
• The 131 yards are the fifth most by a player in bowl history
• Bullock iced the game with a 22-yard TD run in the fourth quarter

Photo credit: Ryan Gayle
By Barry Allen
South Alabama used big plays in the passing game to take a halftime lead and then kept the ball on the ground in the second half for a 30-23 win over Western Michigan in the 11th annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at the historic Cramton Bowl. Redshirt senior Jeremiah Webb caught six passes for an IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl record 182 yards and two touchdowns in the first half to give the Jaguars a 16-13 halftime lead. Webb caught a 52-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 10-10, and then put the Jags ahead to stay with a 42-yard touchdown grab. In all, he had five plays of 18 or more yards in the first half, including an 18-yard run to earn Bart Starr MVP honors. His 182 receiving yards eclipsed the previous record of 180 yards by Arkansas State receiver Omar Bayless in 2019. “We’ve been talking about this for weeks,” USA quarterback Bishop Davenport said. “There is a bond between us. We are roommates.” In the second half, South Alabama kept the ball on the ground as Davenport, making just his second start of the season in place of injured quarterback Gio Lopez, and running back Kentrell Bullock combined for 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns. “I am proud of our team and the way we responded in the second half,” South Alabama head coach Major Applewhite said. South Alabama finished with a bowl record 537 total yards, breaking the previous mark of 525 yards set by Arkansas State in 2019. The Jaguars had 266 rushing yards and 271 passing yards against the Broncos. Davenport finished with 356 total yards in the win. He completed 15-of-24 passes for 271 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran the ball 11 times for 85 yards and one touchdown. “South Alabama got the ball to their playmakers,” WMU head coach Lance Taylor. “They were dynamic in the run game and had guys running wide open. We missed too many tackles.” South Alabama (7-6) recorded its third straight winning season and won its second bowl game in school history. The Jaguars scored on their first possession of the second half when Davenport sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 23-13. Western Michigan (6-7) scored on its opening drive of the fourth quarter capped by Hayden Wolff’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Sambucci to cut the deficit to 23-20. South Alabama made it 30-20 on its next possession when Bullock raced 22 yards into the end zone for a touchdown to seal the win with 2:42 remaining in the game. He finished with 17 carries for 131 yards and one touchdown. Western Michigan answered with a 48-yard field goal by Luka Zurak to make it 30-27 with just over one minute to play. South Alabama senior receiver Devin Voisin recovered the onside kick and the Jaguars ran out the clock. Western Michigan scored on its first two possessions to take a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. The Broncos used two big plays to cover 71 yards for a touchdown on the opening possession. Wolff opened the game with a 23-yard completion to Kenneth Womack. Jaden Nichols then ran 36 yards to the South Alabama 13-yard line and a personal foul penalty moved the ball to the 6-yard line. Jalen Buckley ran five yards to the 1-yard line and then capped the drive with a touchdown on the next play to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game. Zurak stretched the lead to 10-0 with a 37-yard field goal with 14:50 left in the first half. South Alabama got its offense on track and scored on three straight possessions to take a 16-10 lead in the second quarter. The Jaguars capped a 9-play, 69-yard drive with a 24-yard field goal by Hamilton DiBoyan, the No. 3 kicker of the depth chart, and the second kicker used by South Alabama in the game. Webb hauled in a 35-yard pass and added an 18-yard run on the drive for the Jags. South Alabama scored in two plays on its next possession to tie the game at 10-10. Davenport completed a 28-yard pass to Devin Voisin and then connected on a 52-yard TD strike to Webb to even the score. The Jaguars took their first lead when Davenport and Webb teamed up a 45-yard touchdown pass with 4:50 left in the half. The extra point was no good, leaving the Jags with a 16-10 lead. A late interception by WMU cornerback Josh Franklin set up a 29-yard field goal by Zurak to make it 16-13 at halftime.

Photo credit: Ryan Gayle
By Tim Gayle
South Alabama coach Major Applewhite said he wasn’t surprised by Jeremiah Webb’s performance in the 11th annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl but he might have been the only one. Webb, an overlooked fifth-year senior who finally started to shine this season saved his best for last, catching six passes for a bowl-record 182 yards and two touchdowns to help the Jaguars defeat Western Michigan 30-23 at Cramton Bowl on Saturday night. After the game, he was presented the Bart Starr Most Valuable Player Award for his record-setting performance. “I think one of the things that South does is their system and their ability to get their playmakers the ball really puts you in conflict on defense,” Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said. “When you have a dynamic passer, when you have multiple skill players who can take it the distance and then you have a great run game, it puts you in conflict on defense. And that’s what I think they did all night. It’s really pick your poison when you play these guys.” Webb caught a shovel pass from Bishop Davenport on the first play from scrimmage, racing 12 yards with the jet sweep to give an indication of things to come. After his team fell behind 10-0, he sprinted past defenders, hauled in a 52-yard pass from Davenport and tied the game early in the second quarter. “We’ve been talking about that for weeks,” said Davenport, who got the start in place of the injured Gio Lopez. “That’s my roommate so that connection, that bond, is there. So we were ready for it and waiting for it and got the opportunity.” On South Alabama’s next possession, Davenport hurled a pass down the right sideline to a covered Webb, who snatched the ball out of cornerback DaShon Bussell’s outstretched hands at the Western Michigan 5-yard line and continued into the end zone as Bussell lay on the ground in total disbelief. “I wanted it,” Webb said. “He was in position to make a play and I saw the ball and I just wanted it, I wanted it bad. I wanted it more than he did.” He was targeted just twice in the second half, but finished the first half with three Salute to Veterans Bowl records – his 200 all-purpose yards beat out Arkansas State receiver Chris Murray, who had 179 in 2017; his two receiving touchdowns tied a record set by five other receivers; and his 182 receiving yards edged out the 2019 performance of Arkansas State receiver Omar Bayless, who had 180. Webb also finished second in receiving average (30.3), just behind Bowling Green’s Roger Lewis in the inaugural bowl game of 2014. For Webb, it had to be a satisfying moment. The Chicago native originally signed with South Dakota and was redshirted in 2020 after not playing in any of the team’s four games during the Covid year and had six receptions in a win over South Dakota State but otherwise was rarely targeted in 2021. After jumping in the transfer portal and landing in Mobile, he played in just one game in 2022 and nine games in 2023 before finally recording 649 yards in 13 games this season. “When I watched the film … about three years ago in the portal, I heard he played quarterback, I heard he played running back, I heard he played safety,” Applewhite said. “I met his offensive coordinator … and he said he was a tough guy. He’s worked so hard and truthfully probably should have gotten opportunities a heck of a lot earlier than this year but he was just patient, showed maturity. He’s older than his age mentally, he’s very mature, dedicated to the game. I see it every day in practice. “There’s a great sense of pride as a coach because you get a chance to see your football child put all the work in and then you see him make an ‘A’ on the test.”

By Tim Gayle Western Michigan will enter the 11^th annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl with a rushing offense ranked 36^th in the nation and a red zone offense ranked 25^th nationally. Individually, the Bronco running backs may not stand out on film, but collectively they’re pretty impressive. Senior Zahir Abdus-Salaam, junior Jaden Nixon and sophomore Jalen Buckley have combined to rush for 2,098 yards and 23 touchdowns. Of the 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, Western Michigan is one of only 21 that has had its top three rushers combine for more than 2,000 yards this season. At least one of the trio has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the Broncos’ six wins this season. “You don’t really see three dudes (playing an equal amount of time), but we all can do the same thing, but at the same time it’s all different,” Nixon said. “Dudes can come in with speed, with power. You just feel really good knowing you have other guys that can come into the game and produce as well. It allows you to stay fresh. Compared to all the other running backs in the country, I doubt there’s anybody as fresh as us.” Abdus-Salaam has played in 47 games with Western Michigan and is one of a handful of Broncos that can make history with a win on Saturday, becoming the first in school history to have two bowl wins on his resume. A Newark, N.J., native, he has 104 carries for 567 yards, averaging 5.45 yards per play. He also has 28 receptions for 227 yards but just laughs when asked if he is the receiving threat out of the backfield. “We’re kind of the same, but we’re also different,” he said. “We all have that all-work mentality. We know what we can do. Each back has their own skill set. We get put in the right position to show that skill set so we just go out on the field and do what we do.” Buckley, from Aurora, Ill., walked on at Western Michigan and was redshirted after playing four games in 2022, then rushed for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns last season to earn Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors and selection to the Football Writers of America Freshman All-American team. This year, he has 120 carries for 657 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.47 yards per play. He is the likely candidate when it’s third and one or near the goal line but, like Abdus-Salaam, just laughs when asked if he is the power back. “It’s a special brotherhood we’ve got,” Buckley said. “Me and ‘Oldie’ (Abdus-Salaam) have always been close, being guys that understood early on in our career what to do and what it takes. We grew closer through football. Then Jaden came in, a very experienced running back at Oklahoma State behind Ollie Gordon. It was just a blessing for him to come here. And we all meshed really well.” Nixon was recruited out of Lone Star High in Frisco, Texas, after playing in the same backfield as Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. He played three seasons at Oklahoma State, backing up Gordon, then jumped in the transfer portal in search of more playing time. This year, Nixon has 132 carries for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns, an average of 6.64 yards per carry. “I was in the portal for a minute,” Nixon said. “There was a lot of uncertainty about whether I was going to keep playing or what I was going to do next. (Western Michigan running backs) Coach (Darren) Paige was always there, kept saying we want you, we want you, we want you. “It’s been wonderful, more so just seeing the guys that have been here, getting a chance to win games and have that opportunity to go to a bowl game. The last three years, I’ve had a chance to go to a bowl and a lot of guys here haven’t had that opportunity. It’s just a blessing to come into a program where you have great guys, everybody works for each other, everybody loves on each other. There’s no groups, no envy, no jealousy. We all support each other and want the best for each other.” They believe there’s strength in numbers. There are only four running backs on the Western Michigan bowl roster, but three of them, barring injury, likely will receive a similar number of carries in Saturday’s game with South Alabama. “Everybody stays fresh and we’re able to wear teams out throughout the game so by the time the second, third, fourth quarter comes, we’re still fresh while the defense is tired,” Abdus-Salaam said. “That’s where a lot of explosive runs come.” Buckley won’t equal last year’s statistics that earned him All-American status, but the Broncos have exceeded the wins and earned bowl eligibility this season. In other words, less is more. “I definitely see it as an advantage,” Buckley said. “I don’t think there’s anyone in the country that has as many fresh legs. Even if our fourth back, Tre’ (Hartwell), gets in there, I feel like anybody can get the ball and execute. Our offensive coordinator (Walt Bell) says the back’s rotation is not for the player, it’s for the position, so everybody comes into the day and gives it their all, knowing their chance could be next

By Tim Gayle
When South Alabama and Western Michigan play each other for the first time on Saturday night in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, fans may be thinking they’re seeing a mirror image of their team. It all dates back to the spring of 2007 as first-year University of Alabama coach Nick Saban was assembling his coaching staff. Saban had hired Major Applewhite, who recently had served for a year as Rice’s offensive coordinator, in the same role at Alabama. As Saban scoured the football facility for former players to serve as graduate assistants and to aid in the transition to a new coaching staff, he settled on a former player who was in the weight room preparing for an upcoming Arena Football season. Lance Taylor, who really had never thought much of the coaching profession, accepted the offer and was assigned to Applewhite’s offensive staff. Seventeen years later, Taylor remembers Applewhite like it was yesterday. “Major is borderline brilliant, the way he sees the game, play calling and game planning,” Taylor said. “And for me, I was transitioning from a player to coaching and it was an amazing first year to learn under him. He was great for me because it wasn’t, hey, I need these things done because you’re the GA. He really helped me grow and learn the hows and whys, what it takes to be a really good coach. We’ve kept in touch ever since then. It was amazing just being on the ground floor, that first year, watching Coach Saban build it from the ground up. And Major being a huge part of that.” Taylor made a good first impression on Applewhite as well. “He carried himself with class, worked hard, was honest — all the great virtues you want,” the South Alabama coach said. “He did what he said he was going to do, worked hard. He was a good football coach too, knows football, all those things. But just more of personal traits than football traits, was just how he carried himself -- just a classy individual who worked hard, was honest. I think those are some of the best things people can say about you.” Applewhite left after that first season, but his time under Saban – he later returned in 2019 and the national championship 2020 season as an analyst for Saban and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian – shaped his thoughts on how to build a championship contender. When asked about the loss of running back Fluff Bothwell a few days ago to the transfer portal, he spoke of the “next man up” mentality, a favorite phrase of Saban, and how a team needed to approach the bowl season with energy and enthusiasm. “I remember when I was a coordinator at Alabama, and we're playing Tennessee, and we get three offensive starters suspended for selling textbooks, and we go out there and still win the game by 24 points,” Applewhite recalled. “It just doesn't matter. It matters what's in that kid's heart, what's in that kid's helmet, how he wants to go play and prove that he belongs out there and the next man will step up and go play. “A lot of other coaches that have been around, they feel like the excitement, just the genuine excitement to be there and playing the game matters. And I think it matters in relation to the effort you give at practice and the discipline that you have out there at practice. If you're excited to be there, that focus is there, that intensity is there and then you play well. If you're not excited and it's one of those situations where you wish you'd have been in a better bowl or had a better record, or you're thinking about the portal and your focus isn't right, odds aren't in your favor to play the way you want to play.” That speech should resonate with Western Michigan players. They’ve heard it from their coach as well. “I just want to see what they’ve shown all year, which are the core traits that we talk about – effort, attitude, effort and discipline,” Taylor said. “Those are the things we can control. Coach Saban talks about the process a bunch, not being worried about the outcome. And that’s what I want to see. In bowl games, the ones I’ve been a part of, the team that shows up with the most energy, excitement to be there and enthusiasm to play, normally wins those games.” When the Jaguars and the Broncos arrived in Montgomery on Tuesday, the two head coaches shared a few moments together, rekindling a friendship that has existed from the day they first met in 2007. “Same guy,” Taylor said. “And that’s the other thing that you love about Major, he’s the same person every single day, doesn’t get too high or too low. I think that’s what makes him a really great coach, I think that’s part of what made him a great quarterback. He was able to weather the emotions. But, yes, you see his thumbprint all over what they’re doing offensively. And there’s some differences. The one thing I always loved about Major is he’s not stuck with a system or a scheme, he really matches his personnel and determines that with the guys that we have, what are their strengths? And really tailors the offense to that.” It sounds a lot like the Western Michigan Broncos, almost like the two teams are mirror images. “That’s a great way to put it,” Taylor said. “There’s a lot of what we do in our program now that goes back to those original first days there at Alabama in 2007-08. One, how we’ve modeled the program from watching Coach Saban, but also what we do offensively from being around Major.”

MONTGOMERY - South Alabama and Western Michigan will meet in the 11th annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at the historic Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery. The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl will kick off Bowl Season on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. (CT) and will be televised by ESPN. For ticket information go to www.salutetoveteransbowl.com “As we usher in a new era of Bowl Season in Montgomery, we are thrilled to have South Alabama and Western Michigan in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl,” Johnny Williams, executive director of the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, said. “South Alabama played in our inaugural game in 2014 and helped us set the foundation for what our bowl has become. Western Michigan will be coming to Montgomery for the first time with Mobile native Lance Taylor as their head coach.” South Alabama (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Sun Belt Western Division standings. The Jaguars are 4-2 in their last six games. “We are grateful and excited to be heading to Montgomery for the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl,” Dr. Joel Erdmann, South Alabama Director of Athletics, said. “The proximity of Montgomery, combined with the Saturday game day, provides a tremendous opportunity for South Alabama students and fans to travel and support the Jags. We look forward to the national spotlight being on the University of South Alabama as we compete in the first game of the 2024 FBS bowl season." Western Michigan (6-6, 5-3 MAC) closed the season with a 26-18 win over Eastern Michigan to become bowl eligible. The Broncos had a four-game winning streak in October. “We are thrilled to accept an invitation to the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl,” Dan Bartholomae, Western Michigan Vice President/Director of Athletics, said. “The opportunity to visit such an historic place as Montgomery, Alabama and compete against a great program in South Alabama is exciting, and we look forward to opening the bowl season in great style!” Both teams have young head coaches with Alabama connections. South Alabama head coach Major Applewhite spent three years in the Alabama coaching staff under Nick Saban. He was Saban’s first offensive coordinator in 2007. “Our team is excited to be selected to play in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl,” Applewhite said. “It is great to see their hard work rewarded with a postseason opportunity. I’m happy our seniors will get one more chance to put on a South Alabama uniform, and that our younger players will have more time to practice and develop this season. Playing in the first FBS bowl game of the postseason in our home state is the ideal situation for our program. We are proud to represent the state of Alabama and look forward to sharing this bowl game experience with our fans.” Western Michigan’s head coach is Mobile native and former Alabama wide receiver Lance Taylor. A graduate of Citronelle High School, Taylor played for the Crimson Tide from 1998-2002. “We are excited for the opportunity to compete in Montgomery, Alabama, in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl,” Taylor said. “This is a great opportunity for our football program and our university. South Alabama is a well-coached, physical team that will be a great test for our team.  This is the 12th bowl game in school history and we are thrilled to represent Bronco Nation and WMU in this awesome bowl!” South Alabama faced Bowling Green in the inaugural IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (previously known as Camellia Bowl) on Dec. 20, 2014. That game was decided in the final minute and served as the precursor for the thrilling finishes the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl has produced. Nine of the first 10 games have been one score games, including eight games decided in the fourth quarter with a pair of walk-off field goals. IS4S SALUTE TO VETERANS BOWL RESULTS:

• Here are the game-by-scores of the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

Date                    Result                                                                             Attendance       TV

Dec. 20, 2014   Bowling Green 33, South Alabama 28                 20,256                ESPN

Dec. 19, 2015   Appalachian State 31, Ohio 29                              21,395                ESPN

Dec. 17, 2016   Appalachian State 31, Toledo 28                           20,300                ESPN

Dec. 16, 2017   Middle Tennessee 35, Arkansas St. 30                20,612                ESPN

Dec. 15, 2018   Georgia Southern 23, E. Michigan 21                   17,710                ESPN

Dec. 21, 2019   Arkansas St. 34, FIU 26                                             16,209                ESPN

Dec. 25, 2020   Buffalo 17, Marshall 10                                             2,512 (Covid)     ESPN

Dec. 25, 2021   Georgia State 51, Ball State 20                               7,345                   ESPN

Dec. 27, 2022   Buffalo 23, Georgia Southern 21                           15,232                ESPN

Dec. 23, 2023   Northern Illinois 21, Arkansas State 19               11,310                ESPN

ESPN Events ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2024, the 34-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. Follow ESPN Events on Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube.

MONTGOMERY - The Camellia Bowl will welcome Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S) as its corporate sponsor beginning with the 2024 bowl season.

As a result of this new partnership the game will become the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.

“We are very excited to partner with an Alabama based company and honor those men and women in the United States military,” executive director Johnny Williams said. “This is an exciting time in the history of our game. We’ve developed a great relationship with the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County in our first 10 years, and now we are thrilled to partner with IS4S to further promote college football.”

The city of Montgomery has been named a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities, and Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed is excited by the new partnership.

“We are excited to see this change coming to the [former] Camellia Bowl,” said Mayor Reed. “Considering IS4S’ involvement with our military, and Montgomery having the distinction of being named a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities, I can think of no better partnership for this prestigious bowl game we host right here in our community.”

The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl will be played Saturday, Dec. 14 at the historic Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery. The game will be televised by ESPN and kick off at 8 p.m. (CT), immediately following the 2024 Heisman Trophy presentation.

“The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl is more than just a football game - it's a celebration of Montgomery County's deep-rooted history as a proud military community,” Doug Singleton, Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission, said. “This event gives us a special opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have served our country, while also showcasing the incredible athletic talent of two universities. Montgomery County is proud to support this game, which reflects our commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans and their contributions to our community and nation. We look forward to a great game!"

IS4S is an employee-owned and controlled small business that provides a wide range of engineering and management solutions to the United States Armed Forces and other government and commercial agencies.

Since its founding in 2008, IS4S has grown to more than 400 employee-owners and 15 office locations across the eastern United States, including its largest single-state presence in Alabama where the company is headquartered. IS4S is committed to supporting those who serve, delivering government-owned solutions in several key technology areas, including:

• Advanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies
• Open software container applications
• Weapon and communication systems
• Aircraft armament modification
• Portable logistics systems
• Modeling and simulation

“Sponsoring this bowl is a small gesture to express our immense gratitude for the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our nation and defend our freedoms,” IS4S President and CEO Glenn Rolader, PhD, said. “We’re not doing this to advertise IS4S. We simply want to salute our veterans and thank them for what they do for our country. And to do it here in Montgomery - the capital of our home state - we consider it the highest honor to be the title sponsor of the Salute to Veterans Bowl.”

The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, formerly the Camellia Bowl, is in its 11th season, and nine of the first 10 games were decided by eight points or less.

ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2024, the 34-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. Follow ESPN Events on Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube.

MONTGOMERY - The Camellia Bowl is back in primetime.

The 11th annual Camellia Bowl will be played on Saturday, Dec. 14, with kick off set for 9 p.m. (ET) on ESPN at the historic Cramton Bowl.

“We are excited to kick off the 2024 Bowl Season and to be showcasing our event in primetime,” Johnny Williams, Executive Director of the Camellia Bowl said. “We have had some outstanding matchups with thrilling finishes, and we anticipate another exciting game this year.”

The Camellia Bowl has seen nine games within one score in the first 10 meetings. In addition, there have been three game-winning field goals and two game-winning touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

The 2024 Camellia Bowl will mark the seventh time the game has been played on Saturday, and the third time the game has been played primetime.

The game traditionally matches teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Mid-American Conference.

Previously announced, the Cramton Bowl will host two games in Week 0 and Week 1.

Southeast Missouri State and North Alabama will play in the FCS Kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. (ET) on ESPN.

Johnson C. Smith and Tuskegee will play in the Red Tails Classic on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. (ET) on ESPNU.

For FCS Kickoff and Red Tails Classic ticket information log on to www.Montgomerykickoffgames.com

 

Ticket information for the 2024 Camellia Bowl will be announced at a later date.

About ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2024, the 34-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, the premier regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. Follow ESPN Events on Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube.

By Barry Allen

The Game:

• Final Score: Northern Illinois 21, Arkansas State 19
• Weather: Sunny skies; 62 degrees; calm wind
• Coin Toss: Arkansas State won the toss and deferred to second half

General Notes:

• Northern Illinois defeated Arkansas State 21-19 in the 10^th annual Camellia Bowl
• Nine of the 10 Camellia Bowls have been one-score games

• Northern Illinois made its first appearance in the Camellia Bowl
• The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has won the last two Camellia Bowls
• Buffalo defeated Georgia Southern last year
• The MAC has won three of the last four Camellia Bowl games
• MAC teams are now 4-4 in eight Camellia Bowl appearances

• Arkansas State is 1-2 in its three Camellia Bowl appearances
• The Red Wolves lost to Middle Tennessee (2017) and defeated FIU (2019)
• Sun Belt teams are now 4-5 in nine Camellia Bowl appearances

• Northern Illinois QB Rocky Lombardi was named the Bart Starr MVP
• Lombardi accounted for 221 yards and two TDs in the win
• He completed 18-of-29 passes for 200 yards and one TD
• He also added 21 rushing yards, including a 6-yard TD run
• Lombardi complete a pass to nine different receivers
• Lombardi is the fifth QB to win the Bart Starr MVP award

• NIU had a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver in the win over ASU
• RB Antario Brown had 25 carries for 132 yards for the Huskies
• The 25 carries are the third-most in Camellia Bowl history
• The 132 rushing yards are the fourth-most in bowl history
• WR Grayson Barnes caught five passes for 105 yards
• The nine catches tie for the fourth most in the Camellia Bowl
• Barnes recorded the 12^th 100-yard receiving game in Camellia Bowl history

• Northern Illinois and Arkansas State played the highest scoring first half in Camellia Bowl history
• The Huskies (21) and Red Wolves (13) combined for 34 first-half points
• The first half also featured three turnovers (2 by NIU; 1 ASU) and one missed FG (NIU)
• There was only one punt (NIU) in the first half
• Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State held the previous record with 31 combined points in 2017

• Northern Illinois set the Camellia Bowl record with 40:25 time of possession
• The Huskies held the ball for 8+ minutes in all four quarters
• NIU had the ball for 12:02 in the first quarter and 10:29 in the third quarter

 

• Northern Illinois became the first team in Cameliia Bowl history to score on the game’s opening drive
• NIU took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards (10 plays) in 5:51 to take a 7-0 lead
• NIU QB Rocky Lombardi capped the drive with an 18-yard TD pass to Grayson Barnes
• Lombardi was 5-of-6 (.833) for 79 yards and one TD on the drive
• Barnes caught three passes for 65 yards and one TD on the opening possession

• Northern Illinois scored the second special teams TD in Camellia Bowl history
• The Huskies executed fake field goal on fourth and four from the ASU 32-yard line
• Junior holder Tom Foley flipped the ball to sophomore kicker Kanon Woodill, who raced 32 yards untouched for the TD
• It was NIU’s first fake FG for the TD since 2012
• Appalachian State had the only other special teams TD in Camellia Bowl history
• Darrynton Evans had a 94-yard kickoff return TD for the Mountaineers in 2016

• Arkansas State QB Jaylen Raynor accounted for 299 yards and two TDs
• He completed 16-of-30 passes for 260 yards with two TDs and one interception
• He was also the team’s leading rusher with 13 carries for 49 yards

• Arkansas State WR Corey Rucker was the leading receiver
• Rucker caught five passes for 105 yards and 2 TDs
• The 2 TDs tied the Camellia Bowl record held by four other players

By Tim Gayle

Montgomery - His statistics may not rank among the best passers in the history of the Camellia Bowl but what Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi brought to Saturday’s matchup to Arkansas State meant a lot more than yards and touchdowns.

The seventh year senior orchestrated a beautiful opening possession in the 10^th annual Camellia Bowl, setting the tone for the Huskies’ 21-19 win over Arkansas State on Saturday afternoon at Cramton Bowl.

Lombardi rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown while completing 18 of 29 passes for 200 yards and another touchdown, closing out a long collegiate career with a satisfying win and capturing the Bart Starr MVP Award in the process.

“I’m proud to be a Huskie and I’m happy that I’m here, but I’m ready to move on,” Lombardi said. “It’s my time to be done and to move on, so I’m really excited about my future.”

Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock will hate to see Lombardi leave, giving his veteran the credit for directing the offense to three first-half touchdowns. The first touchdown was masterful as Lombardi converted three third-and-long situations into first downs.

“Those plays were all the quarterback,” Hammock said. “The quarterback, he made plays and he left the ball in the spots that guys need to make them. The first one was to Grayson Barnes, the second one was to Trayvon Rudolph. He just executed. And, obviously, when you start picking up some third downs, that gives guys momentum.

“I thought Arkansas State came up with some energy and juice, they had us behind the sticks on the first third down, but when you get that first down and you keep those guys on the field for an extended period of time, that allows you to start to wear them down. And, obviously, to finish that drive with a touchdown, a beautiful ball in the back of the end zone to Grayson Barnes, was outstanding.”

That pass has to rank among the best in his career. Facing third down and 13 and a hard-rushing Arkansas State defense, Lombardi placed the ball at the back of the end zone, where Barnes snared it and got one foot down in bounds for the points.

Unfortunately for Lombardi, he never saw it.

“I was hit as I threw it, but we had the look we wanted, we had Grayson one-on-one,” Lombardi said. “Just put it in the spot where I thought he could get it. He’s got tremendous ball skills and he’s got great hands. I saw him signaling touchdown. I tried to look up at the JumboTron afterward. I didn’t quite catch it, but I heard a lot of people talking. It was a crazy catch.”

Hammock said the communication with Lombardi helped the game plan and enabled the Huskies to keep the Arkansas defense off balance throughout much of the first half.

“First of all, the helmet communication was outstanding,” Hammock said. “We are a huddle team and have the ability to talk to the quarterback. We were able to put a lot more offense shifts and motions in the game plan, knowing that we had the communication. I think we probably moved five to six seconds quicker with that communication. I thought the guys executed at a high level, we weren’t jumping offsides, we didn’t have a lot of illegal formations or anything like that.”

Late in the first quarter, Lombardi added a 6-yard touchdown run to give his team a 13-7 lead, then watched from the sidelines as his teammate, placekicker Kanon Woodill, ran 32 yards with a reception out of field goal formation.

“You saw it open up and he was gone,” Lombardi said. “I mean, there was nobody catching him. It was awesome. It was very cool.”

Lombardi threw a two-point pass to Rudolph following Woodill’s touchdown to close out the Huskies’ scoring and ultimately provide the game-winning points in a 21-19 victory. It was a fitting end to a career that started at Michigan State, moved to Northern Illinois and ended with a medical redshirt year that allowed him a seventh season to get the Huskies from three wins last year to a 7-6 finish this year.

“People don’t understand how much work he puts in to be able to do his job at a high level,” Hammock said. “He was a coach on the field. I know he wants to play (in the National Football League) and hopefully he has an opportunity to continue to play. But for us, he’s been everything. He’s leaving a legacy of what that position looks like and we’re going to miss him.”

Perhaps fittingly, the last game in a long collegiate career earned a Lombardi the Bart Starr Award.

“It means a lot to go out a winner,” he said. “We’ve done a lot more winning than losing here. We didn’t quite have the season we wanted, but we made it to a bowl game and we’re proud to be here and we’re proud to be bowl champs.”