CONTENTS

4 Lt. Governor’s Welcome 6 R+L Carriers Welcome 8 Executive Director’s Welcome 10 Chairman Welcome 12 History of the GNOSF 13 Sports Foundation Members 16 Inspirational Award 18 History of the Bowl 20 Gameday Entertainment 22 Gameday Matchup 24 Conference USA 26 The University of Southern Mississippi 27 Southern Mississippi Athletics 28 Southern Mississippi Head Coach 30 Southern Mississippi Coaching Staff 32 Southern Mississippi Players 36 Southern Mississippi Depth Chart and 40 Numerical Roster 38 Southern Mississippi Alphabetical Roster 40 Southern Mississippi Season Review 44 46 Middle Tennessee State University 47 Middle Tennessee Athletics 48 Middle Tennessee Head Coach 50 Middle Tennessee Coaching Staff 52 Middle Tennessee Players 56 Middle Tennessee Depth Chart and Numerical Roster 58 Middle Tennessee Alphabetical Roster 60 Middle Tennessee Season Review 62 History of the Superdome 64 History of New Orleans 70 Exploring New Orleans 60 72 New Orleans Bowl Sponsors

2 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009 Executive Committee

Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff Paul Valteau Official Program Chairman of the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Committee

Executive Editor JAY CICERO Allison Baznik President/CEO, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation

Editor David Walker Lilith Dorko Athletic Director, U.L. Lafayette

Art Director Ron Maestri Jenny Dascenzo COO New Orleans Zephyrs

Account Executive David Sherman Katie Palazzo Attorney-Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis, Murray, Recile, Griffith, Stakelum & Hayes Sales Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Andrea Corne Dr. myron Moorehead Production Manager Physician, Women’s Laser Institute Staci Woodward David Guzan Jr. Chief Executive Officer CEO, Fairway Medical Center Todd Matherne

Editor in Chief Errol Laborde New orleans bowl staff

Director of Sales/ Executive Vice President Billy Ferrante Kelley Faucheux Executive Director

President Sam Joffray Alan Campell Vice President, Communications

Executive Assistant Alison Comeaux Kristi Ferrante Director of Events and Operations Custom published by Tricia Calamia-Lowe Director of Memberships and Special Events

Derek Dupépé Director of Group Sales Renaissance Publishing LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Jeremy Boyce Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 Director of Community Affairs (504) 828-1380 www.myneworleans.com Allison Baznik Media Relations Assistant The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by New Orleans Bowl, Inc. and Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 2009 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, Yve Phillips, Gayle Ruth, Theresa Delgado without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. New Orleans Bowl, Inc. and Administration Renaissance Publishing, LLC are not responsible for photos or artwork and assumes that all releases have been cleared upon submission to the magazine.

2009 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 3 Welcome from the Lieutenant Governor

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the citizens of Louisiana, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our great state and the city of New Orleans for the 2009 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

While you are here, I urge you to enjoy not only the football, but the culture and heritage this city has to offer. New Orleans is the soul of America, offering a unique blend of food, music, and a joie de vivre that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Around the world, Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” and is the ultimate adventure destination for fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. While you are here, visit the Audubon Golf Trail, twelve exciting courses designed by the best in the game. Take a tour of the bayous and swamps we call America’s Wetlands.

Again, welcome to Louisiana and I hope you enjoy the game.

Sincerely,

Mitchell J. Landrieu Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana

4 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009 Welcome from the president of R+L Carriers

Dear Fans,

On behalf of R+L Carriers and the New Orleans Bowl Committee, welcome to the 2009 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl! R+L Carriers’ involvement with this game reflects our continued support of the great City of New Orleans and surrounding communities.

We are delighted to support collegiate athletics by being a part of this championship game between Sun Belt representative Middle Tennessee State University and University of Southern Mississippi, representing Conference USA. These student athletes exemplify the characteristics and values associated with winning teams much like the foundation that R+L Carriers has built for more than 40 years.

We invite you to explore our Web site, www.gorlc.com, to learn how we are able to meet your shipping needs now and into the future. Our team of nearly 10,000 employees is ready to provide you with a complete portfolio of shipping solutions related to LTL, Truckload, International, Guaranteed, and Expedited services.

We hope you enjoy your visit to New Orleans, and we thank you for joining us for tonight’s game.

Have a safe and happy holiday season,

Bob Zimmerman President R+L Carriers, Inc.

6 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009 Welcome from the Executive Director

Dear Guests,

On behalf of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, it is my pleasure to welcome all of our guests from the University of Southern Mississippi and Middle Tennessee State University to tonight’s game.

I would also like to recognize, welcome and thank the entire membership of The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Through their support and efforts, nearly 300 businesses and individuals make up the backbone of the community support that the Sports Foundation enjoys for all of its events throughout the year, including the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl will kick off for the ninth time tonight. In a relatively short period of time, we have created great equity for ourselves in the New Orleans community and have provided a memorable experience for thousands of the student- athletes that have participated in our game and all Bowl week activities.

I hope you enjoy our great city during your stay, and we all wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

Billy Ferrante R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Executive Director

8 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009 Welcome from the chairman

Dear Fans and Friends,

On behalf of the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, I would like to personally welcome the fans of Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Southern Mississippi to the 2009 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. To fans travelling to their first New Orleans Bowl, we hope we live up to your expectations as a favorite championship city, and that we have plenty of opportunities to invite you back in the future.

The bowl season is a special one, and we appreciate you sharing your holidays with us. Our entire staff and hospitality industry has worked tirelessly to create a once in a lifetime opportunity for the student athletes, the entire team, and especially you.

I would also like to salute our local ticketholders, and the entire New Orleans Bowl membership. The growth we have experienced over the past few years would not be possible without your support, enthusiasm and participation in the bowl year-round.

Throughout the weekend, we hope you experience everything in the city that the New Orleans Bowl represents: our attractions, our cuisine, our culture, our hospitality and our magical spirit. Thank you all again for the support and generosity you have shown during this time. Let the good times Bowl!

Sheriff Paul Valteau, Chairman 2009 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

10 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009 Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Organized in August 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (GNOSF) is a nonprofit 501C (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on the Greater New Orleans area. Since 1988, the GNOSF has turned a $30 million investment, from public and private sources, into a $1.1 billion economic impact.

Be A Member! The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Membership Program, implemented in 1999, was created to expose the mission and the success of the Sports Foundation to the community, and to provide affordable levels of support for companies that share the same vision of the Sports Foundation. Since then, it has evolved into a valuable networking and business opportunity. In addition to the benefits received, our members are encouraged to be actively involved on committees responsible for coordinating the events and further New Orleans’ future in sports.

Corporate Membership Program GNOSF Corporate members enjoy a number of membership benefits while helping the GNOSF to accomplish our goals. GNOSF members enjoy VIP hospitality benefits at our events, networking opportunities, promotional exposure, and many member-to-member benefits. Corporate memberships are tax deductible and a great way to support our ongoing efforts to attract and manage sporting events. Other benefits to being a member include: an invitation to free monthly socials and networking events; the opportunity to participate in our biannual golf tournaments at no charge; tickets and VIP hospitality to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and much more. For more information on becoming a member, contact Tricia Calamia-Lowe at (504)525-5678.

Upcoming Events: 2010 and beyond Iron Man Classic 2010 and beyond Rock and Roll Marathon 2010 and beyond New Orleans Bowl 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball 1st and 2nd Rounds 2011 Bassmaster Classic 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional 2012 SEC Basketball Championship 2012 Men’s Final Four 2013 Women’s Final Four 2013 Super Bowl XLVII

12 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009 Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation members

Associate Beth Bares Annette Guillory Ryan Monsour Jason Baer Tim Baudier David Guzan Wesley Moore James Buckley Mary Nell Bennett Scott Habetz Dr. Myron Moorehead Patrick Cresson Brandon Bennett Jeff Habetz Harry Morel Tim Soslow Sid Berthelot Sharon Hannahan Sheriff Newell Normand Brian Birdsall Don Harris Bobby O’Neal Champion Benjamin Birdsall Jonathan Haslauer Michael Palamone Becker & Suffern Johnny Blancher Robert Hecker Kelly Parenton Cox Sports Television George Bode Harry Henderson Patrick Parenton Crosby Tugs, LLC Brad Bohannan Kyle Henson Patrick Parenton Crystal Clear Imaging Les Bonano Blake Heymann Tim Parenton Empire Gymnastics Mac Bordelon Eddie Hirstius Roderick Parker FedEx Express Darryl Brown Richard Hyland Greg Phillips GES Exposition Services Ron Burnett Dale Hymel Joel Picker Greater New Orleans New Car Jude Carbo Stanley Jacobs Eddie Pullaro Dealer Assoc., Inc. John Carbo James Julian Eddie Rantz Harrah’s Casino Russell Carrll John Koerner IV Joseph Raspanti Ideal Signs Judge Roy Cascio Ellen Kruger Philip Reso InterContinental New Orleans Carol Cascio Bryan Laiche Nancy Reuther Lockheed Martin Chad Castrinos Charles Lanusse Lewis Roberts Louisiana Superdome & George Chin Paul LaRosa Pam Roger N.O. Arena James Crowell Arthur Lawson Stan Rorison Mid-Ship Marine Jack Culotta Wayne Leblanc Rene Sabathier Mr. B’s Bistro Danny Dagley Dr. Craig Ledet Jody Sanderson New Orleans Hornets Robert David Dr. Dean Lee Laverne Saulny Orleans Parish Civil Billy Deitrich Rick Levin Gia Sausse Sheriff’s Office Duke Duffee Linda Maher Richard Sauter Perlis Dennis Dunn Dwayne Mara Ray Seamon Renaissance Pere Marquette / Arts Hotel Walter Eversmeyer John Marie Damien Serauskas River Parish Disposal Richard Exnicios Ken Marroccoli Jonathon Serigne Southern Eagle Sales & Service Andy Fallo Willy Martin Philip Sherman Sun Belt Conference Chris Fontan Mitch Martin Ronald Sholes WWL Television Jonathon Freidman Ernie Matherne Renny Simno Jonathon Freidman Gary McCarthy Brett Simpson Committee Craig Frosch Mike McCloskey Kurt Sins Brad Alack Reginald Gaines Daniel McCormick Robert Skinner Michael O. Babin Jr. Jeff Galpin Patrick McDaniel William Steffes Arnold Baker Ron Gardner David McLendon Sylvan Steinberg Whitney Baker Greg Gibson Dr. John Moffatt Brad Stevens

2009 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 13 GNO Sports foundation members, cont.

Bob Stine Coconut Beach Kevin Bennett John James Audubon Robert Stone Conco Food Service Krispy Kreme Tangipahoa Parish CVB Dave Strawn Courcelle Consulting L.L.C. LA Minority Business Council TBA Global LLC Patrick Suffern CPR + Partners, Leake & Anderson, L.L.P. Terminix Nick Tartaglia Custom Specialties LeGlue & Associates The St. Martin Group Rev Darryl Tate Delgado Community College LeGlue & Co. CPAs The Sugar Mill Clinton Terry Athletic Department LePavillion The Times-Picayune Polly Thomas Duplass, Zwain, Bourgeois Limousine Livery Thomas M. Brahney Attorney & Morton Jude Trahant LLOG Exploration Co., LLC at Law Edward Jones Kelly Trail Zea Loews New Orleans Hotel Tony Volpe Embassy Suites Wesley Turner Louisiana Office Technologies TownePlace Suites by Marriott Empire Gymnastics Academy Scott Vaughan Marriott Hotels of New TPC Louisiana Evelyn Wolford Robert Vining Orleans & Met Triton Diving Services, Inc. Event Producers Charlie Weedon Metairie Kennel Club Tulane University Athletic Faux Pas Printing Department Andy Weinstock MGP Events Festival Productions Twin Tire & Auto Care, Inc. Erika Williams Mitch Compeaux, CPA ForeKids Foundation Two Tony’s Restaurant Wayne Winkler Monique Judice Gagliano Group University of New Orleans William Wolf Monteleone Hotel George A.,Relle Athletic Department Alan A. Zaunbrecher New Orleans Fine Hotels By Greater New Orleans Hotel Decatur Hotels USA HOSTS and Lodging Association New Orleans Zephyrs W Hotel New Orleans Corporate Guillot’s Sanitary Supplies Nike Golf Wesco Distribution A.H. Guthans Co., Inc. Gulf Coast Bank Opti-Con Manufactuiring Westin Accent on Arrangements, Inc. Guy Baudier Network Inc. White Oak Productions Acme Oyster House Hampton Inn - Slidell, Pace Systems William D. O’Regan III, A Adams & Reese Hampton Inn Downtown / FQ Pat,Garin Professional Law Corporation Ajubita, Leftwich & Salzer Hearst Argyle WDSU-TV Pat O’ Brien’s Bar WISEware, LLC” Al Copeland Investments Heller, Draper, Hayden, Patrick Pel Hughes Printing Wyndham Riverfront All-Scraps Metal & Horn, LLC Pelican Ice Youngs Cleaners / Velez Corporation Astor Crowne Plaza Hilton Garden Inn Hotels of Pelican Ice New Orleans Augie Leopold Advertising Piper’s Flooring Interiors Specialties Hilton Riverside - New Executive Orleans PRA Destination Management Barriere Construction Co., LLC New Orleans AT&T Hospitality Enterprises Beads by the Dozen, Inc Ramada Inn on Bourbon Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis, Hotard Coaches Murray, Recile, Griffith, Best Western Landmark Hotel Randy Meyer Attorney At Law Hotel New Orleans Stakelum & Hayes L.L.P Bienville House Regal Construction Boomtown Casino House of Blues Ernest Morial Convention Renaissance Publishing Center Bourgeois Bennett, LLC International House Riverlands Surveying Co. Ernst Cafe Briggs Equipment International Security Management Group, Inc. Royal Productions Fair Grounds of New Orleans Building Specialties Company Joel’s Catering, Sucre, Scott Mouledous Construction First NBC Bank Calco Travel Grand Isle Sean M. Bruno CPA’s Martin Insurance Agency, LLC Cali & La Place Engineers LLC John,Lanusse Sheraton N.O. Hotel New Orleans Marriott Capt. Joe Mayfield John J. Khoury C.P.C.U. Dba. Sheriff Wayne L.,Jones Premier Event Management Caretta’s Grill Brooke Ins. & Financial Srvcs. St. Tammany Parish Tourist St. Charles Surgical Hopital Chad Nunez Jones, Walker, Waechter and Convention Comm. U.S. Army Cintas Kass Brothers Steamboat Natchez / Riverboat

14 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | 2009