W. Kentucky, South Alabama to meet in New Orleans Bowl
By The Associated Press - Dec. 04, 2022 04:49 PM EST
South Alabama tight end DJ Thomas-Jones catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Old Dominion in Mobile, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via AP)
South Alabama tight end DJ Thomas-Jones catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Old Dominion in Mobile, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via AP)
Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Wayne (0) catches a touchdown pass against Old Dominion defender Tobias Harris during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Mobile, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via AP)
Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) carries the ball against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Old Dominion safety R'Tarriun Johnson (1) intercepts a pass intended for South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Wayne (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Mobile, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via AP)
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Western Kentucky (8-5, Conference USA) vs South Alabama (10-2, Sun Belt), Dec. 21, 9 p.m. ET

LOCATION: New Orleans

TOP PLAYERS

Western Kentucky: QB Austin Reed has thrown for 4,249 yards, second nationally, and 36 touchdowns while completing 64.5 percent of his passes.

South Alabama: RB La’Damian Webb has rushed for 1,014 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games and ranks second in the conference with 92.3 yards per game.

NOTABLE

Western Kentucky: Before playing in nine bowl games in the last 11 seasons, including this year, the Hilltoppers had not played in a bowl since 1975.

South Alabama: The Jaguars' only conference loss was by 10-6 to eventual league champion Troy.

LAST TIME

South Alabama won 31-24 in 2013.

BOWL HISTORY

Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers will be competing in a bowl for the fourth straight season and 13th time overall.

South Alabama: This is the Jaguars’ first bowl game since 2016 and third overall.

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