The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl has crowned the 2024 champions! After a close game, the Bearkats triumphed over the Eagles, 31-26. The writing was on the wall during halftime, where Georgia Southern trailed the eventual victors by 11 points. Although the Eagles experienced a second wind in the third quarter, they couldn’t match the Bearkats, who increased their lead in the fourth. This also marked the first meeting between these two college football competitors.
Interim Head Coach Brad Cornelson led his team to a remarkable victory, after Sam Houston’s former leader stepped down just weeks before the bowl game. Moreover, this win comes during Cornelson’s first game as acting head coach, as well as success for the Bearkats in their first ever FBS level bowl game appearance. Becoming the 2024 champions was a well-fought battle to the top for Sam Houston, ending the season with a 10-3 margin. R+L Carriers sponsored this game for the 19th consecutive year, with the New Orleans Bowl itself now in its overall 24th iteration.
Fans Show Their Support
Before the game began, both teams warmed up, preparing for their last big rumble of 2024. Amidst the clash of orange and white jerseys against their blue and white counterparts, football fans eagerly shared their team spirit across social media. Various platforms were alight with #HailSouthern, #EatEmUpKats, and of course, #rlbowl.
The Road to Crowning 2024 Champions
Prior to game week, Sam Houston’s running back, DJ McKinney, was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Likewise, Marques Watson-Trent, a senior linebacker from Georgia Southern, was designated the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl is more than just a game, encompassing a week full of spectacular arrivals, community service, media appearances and a touch of pre-game insight into both teams.
Team Arrivals
December 15 saw both teams arrive in New Orleans, greeted by representatives of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. That same day, the Georgia Southern Eagles hosted their player party at Rock’n’Bowl, one of the city’s premier party venues. The team enjoyed their share of good food, smooth music, and of course, bowling, as a welcome moment of levity before the week’s game. Sam Houston’s Bearkats took to the scene the next day for their own celebration, partying it up in The Big Easy. The game to decide this year’s 2024 champions was still days away.
Teams Take to the Field
You can never have enough practice! Three days before the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, both teams had a separate chance to train and rehearse drills inside Caesars Superdome. While the Eagles had a previous win at this venue, the 2020 roster had since graduated, with the 2024 players eager for a victory of their own. Meanwhile, the Bearkats were reckoning with their first ever FBS level bowl game appearance. Monday’s practice on the field proved this team would be a fierce competitor. It would seem both schools had the makings of 2024 champions.
A Day of Service
During game week, both teams take part in a day of service, volunteering their time with local charities and nonprofits. The Eagles spearheaded environmental advocacy projects at the Pontchartrain Conservancy, while also assisting several individuals at ArcGNO. Team Bearkats lead activities at Ochsner’s Children’s Hospital and the NOLA branch of the Special Olympics with some of Sam Houston’s players helping at Second Harvest Food Bank. While only one team could be anointed the 2024 champions, both Georgia Southern and Sam Houston won the hearts of the local community.
Coaches and Players Luncheon
The day before the big game, both teams participated in the Coaches and Players Luncheon in the New Orleans Marriott’s Grand Ballroom. Head Coaches Clay Helton (Georgia Southern) and Brad Cornelson (Sam Houston) each gave compelling reasons on why their team deserved to be the 2024 champions. Former Super Bowl XLVII champion Ed Reed served as the keynote speaker, having two decades of experience in professional football as a player, coach and administrator. No doubt, Mr. Reed’s words of wisdom were well-received the night before the Eagles and Bearkats met on the field for the first time ever.
Two Dozen Years of Football
Thank you to all the players, fans and personnel who have participated in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl since 2006. We hope you enjoyed this year’s game week, culminating in the rise of our 2024 champions. Both the Eagles and the Bearkats put on a great match and we’re excited to present Sam Houston State University the winner’s trophy. From all of us at R+L Carriers, have a happy holiday season!
