History in the making was the story in Mobile, Alabama, as both teams were looking to etch another accomplishment into the record books. Still, South Alabama would be the ones to do so as they knocked off Eastern Michigan University, 59-10, to acquire the program's first-ever bowl game win.
It was the third consecutive bowl game appearance for the first time in program history for the Eagles as they were searching for back-to-back bowl game wins for the first time but will have to wait to do so.
After an early 3-0 start the Jaguars would add to their total after quarterback Desmond Trotter would find wide receiver Jeremiah Webb for a 49-yard reception to EMU’s three-yard line.
On the next play, a shuffle pass from Trotter would end up in the hands of wide receiver DJ Thomas-Jones to extend South Alabama’s lead, to 10-0.
On the Jaguars’ ensuing offensive possession, quarterback Gio Lopez connected with wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett for a South Alabama touchdown to go up, 17-0, with 3:30 left in the first quarter.
EMU linebacker Joe Sparacio would intercept Trotter to give the Eagles some momentum heading into the second quarter, but that was quickly dwindled after South Alabama running back Kentrel Bullock rushed for a 17-yard Jaguars touchdown to extend their lead, 24-3.
The Jaguars would continue to roll as Marquise Robinson intercepted EMU’s Cam’Ron McCoy, which led to another South Alabama touchdown to extend the lead, 31-3, with 8:07 left in the second quarter.
It wouldn’t stop there as Lopez would connect with Pritchett for another first-half touchdown for South Alabama to put the Jaguars up, 38-3, heading into halftime.
It was pure dominance in the first half by South Alabama as they totaled 417 yards of offense while EMU only compiled 27. The Jaguars also converted 19 first downs to the Eagles’ one.
The 38 points scored by South Alabama tied the 68 Ventures Bowl record for most points scored in the first half.
The second half wasn't much different than the first, as South Alabama outscored the Eagles 21-7 to win the 68 Ventures Bowl, 59-3.
The Jaguars would also set another record by scoring the most points since joining the FBS with 59 points.
Lopez would finish the game by completing 14 of his 19 passes for 192 yards and three passing touchdowns while adding 88 rushing yards and one touchdown. Pritchett would haul in eight catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
