Southern Miss Wins Black and Blue Bowl 41-19

It only took five plays for Memphis to find the end zone on their opening possession of the 2010 Black and Blue Bowl. Ryan Williams’ 22-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Rucker turned out to be the high point of an otherwise difficult day for the Tigers. The point after kick, which bounced off the goal post and fell short was an indicator of things to come.

The Memphis defense managed to hold their lead over Southern Miss with a quick three and out, but by the end of the first quarter, the Tigers had allowed 14 unanswered points. Late in the second quarter, Southern Miss converted on their second turnover of the day and the third unanswered touchdown. The Golden Eagles lead the Tigers 24-6 at the half.

The Southern Miss defense, currently ranked 11^th in the country in yards allowed, managed to keep the Memphis offense off the field. Other than a third-quarter drive ending in a 45-yard field goal, Southern Miss never let Memphis string together more than a six-play drive.

Memphis did show a spark late in the fourth quarter as Tigers quarterback Ryan Williams hit Marcus Rucker for an 81-yard home run pass. However, on the next possession, Kendrick Hardy of the Golden Eagles sealed the game with a 59 yard sprint to the end zone. Memphis added another field goal, but it wasn’t enough to surmount the 41-19 final score.

Southern Miss’ Austin Davis completed 11/30 averaging 9.2 yards per pass and a total 275 yards in the air. Kendrick Hardy added another 101 yards on the ground as the Golden Eagles put up 515 yards total offense. On the other side of the ball, the Golden Eagle defense held Memphis to only 32 yards rushing. Memphis’ Ryan Williams went 11/21 for a total 237 yards passing.

Southern Miss is now 5-2 overall, 2-1 in Conference USA play. They take on UAB at home next week. Memphis has a bye next week and will pick up play against Houston on Oct. 30.

Pick and Win
Dorien Akerman was only one point off on the Southern Miss score with her pick of 42-10. Since nobody picked the score exactly, Dorien wins 2 Premium Tickets to the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl. Watch your E-mail Dorien. We’ll be in touch soon.

Related posts:

1. Southern Miss vs. Memphis in the “Black and Blue Bowl”
2. Southern Miss Upsets UCF 31-21; Knocks UCF out of Top 25
3. Southern Miss Accepts Conference USA spot in 2010 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg
4. Predict the Score and Win: Tulsa at Southern Miss, Louisville at USF
5. Louisville Hangs on to Defeat Southern Miss in Close Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl

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One Response to “Southern Miss Wins Black and Blue Bowl 41-19”

1. dorien says:

   January 25, 2012 at 11:20 pm

   Wow, I won this and completely forgot about it, I couldn’t have made it anyway but thanks!