LOUISIANA, SOUTHERN MISS TO FACE OFF IN NEW ORLEANS BOWL

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NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana is looking to #PaintNOLARed again.

Louisiana and Southern Miss accepted invitations today to compete in the 16th Annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. CST and will air on ESPN and ESPN Radio. The meeting between Louisiana and Southern Miss will be the 52nd between the schools and the first since 2008.

"This will mark the fifth time that both Louisiana and Southern Mississippi have competed in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, though this marks the first time they compete against each other. Our committee and staff are happy to welcome back both universities, coaches, student-athletes, alumni and fans for what promises to be a spectacular weekend in New Orleans," said R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Chairman Sheriff Paul Valteau.

With head coach Mark Hudspeth at the helm, Louisiana posted a regular-season record of 6-6 overall and a 5-3 record in the Sun Belt Conference. This will be the also mark the Ragin' Cajuns fifth appearance in the past six years in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Louisiana officially accepted the bid that was extended Sunday afternoon by Billy Ferrante, Executive Director of the New Orleans Bowl.

"We're excited for the opportunity to return to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl for a record fifth time," Ragin' Cajuns Head Football Coach Mark Hudspeth said. "We have had great success playing in one of the great destination cities in the world, and it has become a second home for us. Playing in the New Orleans Bowl provides a great overall experience, not only for our players, but also for our fans who have given us overwhelming support in the past."

Led by first-year head coach Jay Hopson, Southern Miss finished the regular season with a 6-6 overall record and a 4-4 record in Conference USA. This will be the Golden Eagles' fifth appearance in the New Orleans Bowl.