ANOTHER THRILLER EXPECTED FOR THE GMAC BOWL
Oct 28th, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:OCTOBER 28, 2003
CONTACT: kelley@gmacbowl.com
Officials at the GMAC Bowl are busily preparing for what is shaping up to be another stellar year of post-season college football in Mobile. This year's game, which is slated for Thursday, December 18th at 6:30 PM at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, will be the fifth edition of the event that has quickly established a premier reputation on the college football landscape.
The early success and national publicity that the GMAC Bowl has garnered has been the result of match-ups between top 25 teams, high-caliber players, including two Heisman trophy finalists, first class bowl week events and most of all exciting games in front of sellout crowds that have produced record-breaking performances both on the field and in national television ratings.
The past four GMAC Bowl's have brought an excitement to Mobile that has been overwhelming. In 1999, East Carolina, ranked twentieth nationally, took on the feisty Horned Frogs of TCU led by Coach Dennis Franchione and Division I-A rushing leader LaDainian Tomlinson. TCU pulled a surprising upset by defeating ECU 28-14 in the inaugural game.
In 2000, TCU returned to Mobile ranked 13th nationally, sporting a 10-1 record and a Heisman trophy finalist in Tomlinson to play the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss. Mobile-native Jeff Kelly's 28 yard touchdown pass to freshman Kenny Johnson with eight seconds left, lifted USM to a 28-21 victory in the first major bowl game of the season.
After the dramatic finish in 2000, few could fathom a finish that would rival Southern Mississippi's hometown hero win. However, the 2001 game topped them all. In the highest scoring game in college football bowl history, Marshall rallied past East Carolina 64-61 in double-overtime behind Byron Leftwich's 576 yards passing. This game was deemed an instant classic by ESPN and received the highest rating of any college football game ever to be shown on ESPN2.
The fourth edition of the GMAC Bowl featured a quarterback dual for the ages. Two Heisman hopefuls, Dave Ragone of Louisville and Byron Leftwich of Marshall, led their teams to Mobile to do battle. Marshall needed no miracle comeback this time, as Leftwich, who was roughed up in the first-half, returned to throw four touchdown passes leading the Thundering Herd to a 38-15 victory. Though miracles did not happen the game was still record-breaking. The 2002 GMAC Bowl received the highest rating of any program ever to be shown on ESPN2 in its seven-year history.
The GMAC Bowl has been showcased some of college football's most talented and decorated athletes in recent years. TCU's LaDanian Tomlinson was the second runner-up to Ron Dayne in 2000 Heisman trophy balloting. He was the nation's leading rusher in '99 and 2000. He now stars for the San Diego Chargers and has established himself as one of the NFL's top players. Byron Leftwich also finished in the Heisman balloting and now starts for the Jacksonville Jaguars as rookie. Other players of note who have made the NFL jump are Dave Ragone (QB, LOU) Aaron Schobel (DE, TCU), David Garrard (QB, ECU), Jeff Kelly (QB, USM), Cedric Scott (DE, USM), and Leonard Henry (RB, ECU)..
This year's game is shaping up to be possibly the best year yet. The Mid-American Conference, which is one of the conference tie-ins contracted with the GMAC Bowl, has received much national acclaim this year as they continue to knock off some of the nation's highest ranked teams. This season some MAC upsets have included Northern Illinois defeating #14 Maryland and #21 Alabama, Toledo defeated a top 10 team in Pittsburgh and Marshall beat another top 15 team in Kansas State, and Bowling Green took down the Purdue Boilermakers. The MAC currently has two teams in the BCS top 25 and continue to draw national attention with some high profile quarterbacks in Josh Harris of Bowling Green and Ben Roethlisberger of Miami of Ohio, who are ranked third and fourth respectively nationally in total offense.
Conference USA is also producing a strong field this year. TCU is undefeated, ranked #12 in the BCS and look poised to run the table. Former Auburn Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino took over the reigns at Louisville and has the Cardinals looking good with only one loss. Other teams of note are Southern Miss, South Florida and Memphis who all are in contention to receive an invitation for this year's game.
The Western Athletic Conference also has a possibility of placing a team in the game. Louisiana Tech is a team to keep a close eye on as the take on LSU this weekend.
This year's game will once again boast an impressive slate of activities for bowl week. The Saturn Blimp will return to Mobile after it's west coast tour. Mac Brown, Jerry Tarkanian, and other special guests will all be in town to speak at various banquets. The Coors Classic Basketball Doubleheader will once again be played at USA's Mitchell Center. The Greer's Mardi Gras Parade will fill the streets of downtown Mobile and will be followed by pep rallies, a huge street party and a spectacular fireworks show over the river. "We are looking forward to this year's game with great anticipation and believe this will be the best bowl week and game yet," says GMAC Bowl President Jerry Silverstein. "We have been fortunate to have at least one Top 25 team each year and it's very possible we will bring in two for this game."
TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets for the 2003 edition of the GMAC Bowl will go on sale Thursday, October 30th. This year's game will be played on Thursday, December 18th at 6:30 PM at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will feature the second selection from Conference USA and the First Selection from the Mid-American Conference of the Western Athletic Conference.
Tickets located in the East (MAC) or West (C-USA) stands will remain at $45. End Zone tickets are $15. All seats are reserved and prime availability is currently available.
Tickets can be purchased at the GMAC Bowl office located at 1000 Hillcrest Road or by calling (251) 635-0011. Tickets will also be available at Springdale Travel and participating Southtrust Banks.