TROY TROJANS AND BUFFALO BULLS TO FACE OFF IN DOLLAR GENERAL BOWL
Mobile, Ala. (Dec. 2, 2018) – The Dollar General Bowl announced today that the University at Buffalo of the Mid-American Conference (7-1, 10-3) will face Troy University of the Sun Belt Conference (7-1, 9-3) in the 20th annual Dollar General Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm CST and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
We are excited to be celebrating our 20th year and what better way to do so than by pairing up two stand out teams to square off here in Mobile.” said Dollar General Bowl President Jerry Silverstein.
The Troy University Trojans, led by head coach Neal Brown will make their third appearance in the Dollar General Bowl (2010, 2016). As the sixth youngest head coach in the FBS, Brown has led the Trojans to a Sun Belt championship, two bowl victories, the nation’s best turnaround, and the first top-25 ranking in school and Sun Belt history.
“We are excited about our third straight bowl appearance and returning to the Dollar General Bowl,” Troy Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain said. “The bowl staff and the City of Mobile roll out the welcome mat as well as anyone in the country during bowl season. The Dollar General Bowl is a first-class event for not only our football players and staff but also for the fans, and we anticipate another strong continent of Troy faithful visiting Mobile later this month to help cheer on the Trojans to our fourth straight bowl win.”
This season, the Trojans finished second in the Sun Belt in scoring and rushing defense, while leading the conference with 17 interceptions for 304 yards. B.J. Smith leads the conference in rushing with 1,093 yards and 12 TDs and joins 22 of his teammates on the All Sun Belt Conference team this year.
Buffalo will be making its first appearance in the Dollar General Bowl. Head Coach Lance Leipold, this year’s MAC Coach of the Year, is in his fourth season with Buffalo and has led the program to its first 10 win season and its first appearance in the MAC Championship game since 2008.
“On behalf of our President, Dr. Satish Tripathi and the University at Buffalo, we’re very honored and excited to represent the Mid-American Conference in the 20th Dollar General Bowl in Mobile, Alabama” said Buffalo Athletic Director Mark Alnutt. “It has been a historic season for the University at Buffalo Football program and we have an opportunity to continue to build upon this season by playing in a Bowl game that is known for providing a first class experience for its participants. In addition, I would like to congratulate Troy University on their outstanding season. This matchup has the makings to be one of the better ones this Bowl season. We can’t wait to get down to Mobile on December 18th.”
This season Buffalo ranked second in the MAC in total defense and interception (14 for 94 yards). Bulls quarterback Tyree Jackson, who was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, is the first quarterback in school history to earn All-MAC honors. He has thrown for 2,857 yards and 27 touchdowns this season.
Teams are slated to arrive in Mobile on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The Dollar General Bowl will feature a week of activities before the game itself, including the annual Mayor’s Luncheon, Mardi Gras parade, street party and pep rally.
The Mayor’s Luncheon presented by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will feature former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning as the keynote speaker. The luncheon will be held Friday, Dec. 21 at noon at the Mobile Convention Center. Tickets for the event are $30 each and can be purchased online at www.DollarGeneralBowl.com/tickets or by calling 251-635-0011.
After the Mayor’s Luncheon, the fun moves to Downtown Mobile. The This is Alabama Street Party kicks off the night beginning at 5:00 pm in Mardi Gras Park, and will feature a DJ, Santa Claus, games and activities for all. The Greer’s/This is Alabama Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 6:30 pm, followed by the This is Alabama Pep Rally.
Dollar General Bowl game and event tickets can be purchased online at www.DollarGeneralBowl.com/ticketsor by calling the Dollar General Bowl office at 251-635-0011. Tickets are $45 for sideline seats and $15 for general admission.
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