C-USA Bowl Picture Clears Up

The Conference USA Bowl picture had been a little unclear over the last week. Even though most teams knew exactly where they stood in the conference, they didn't know where they would land come bowling season. The dust has settled, and we now know where everyone will be after UCF put the finishing touches on the C-USA season with a 17-7 win over SMU in the conference championship game. 

The win sends Central Florida to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN on December 31 vs. an SEC team yet to be determined. The SMU Mustangs end up in a familiar place and one where many thought they would end up, playing in their home stadium on December 28 vs. Army. 

Tulsa, who was awaiting the final word on their destination, was either going to be playing in Dallas or in Hawaii. Because SMU will be playing in Dallas, Tulsa will get the nod to go play the University of Hawaii in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. Southern Miss and East Carolina were the exception here, as they knew exactly where they would be playing after accepting invitations earlier in the week. Southern Miss will be playing in the St. Petersburg Beef 'O' Brady Bowl vs. a Big East team on December 21, while ECU will play in the Military Bowl December 29 vs. an ACC team. 

As we all learned officially yesterday, our Miners will be playing in the New Mexico Bowl vs. longtime WAC conference foe and rival BYU on December 18 at 2 p.m. in Albuquerque. Tickets are now on sale and probably wont last long. If you are able to, make the 3 1/2 hour drive to support our Miners. 

* In the 2009-2010 season conference USA finished 2-4 in bowl games, with SMU beating Nevada 45-10 in the Hawaii Bowl, and Marshall beating Ohio 21-17 in the Little Ceasar's Bowl.