MS SC585

Commends and congratulates the University of Southern Mississippi "Golden Eagles" football team, Head Coach Jay Hopson, Quarterback Nick Mullen, and Receiver Allenzae Staggers for winning the 2016 New Orleans Bowl with a 28-21 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette on December 17, 2016.

Recognizes Allenzae Staggers' New Orleans Bowl records of 11 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown, and notes he was named Southern Miss' Most Valuable Player.

Acknowledges Nick Mullen's performance of 346 yards passing and two touchdowns, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Staggers, in his final game as a Golden Eagle.

Notes this was Southern Mississippi's fourth victory in five trips to the New Orleans Bowl and the team finished 7-6 in Coach Hopson's first season.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Coach Jay Hopson, forwarded to University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney D. Bennett and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.