University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Almond To Play In Magnolia Gridiron Classic
12/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 15, 2005
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss senior quarterback Dustin Almond will play in the inaugural Magnolia Gridiron Classic on Dec. 24, in Jackson, Miss., at Mississippi Veterans Stadium. Game time is set for 11 a.m.
Almond becomes the first Golden Eagle to receive an invitation to a postseason game this season. Over 85 student-athletes will play before NFL scouts in the game.
Head Coach Jeff Bower said he was happy Almond will play.
"I'm glad he's going and is getting an opportunity to play," Bower said. "It will be a short week for him, but he's used to it."
The game will pit Division I players against Division I-AA players. Admission is $20, with reserved seats priced at $25.
Almond had one of the best seasons in school history by a Golden Eagle quarterback. A three-year starter, he finished his senior campaign completing 199-of-362 passes for 2,607 yards and 21 touchdowns, against 12 interceptions. His 21 touchdowns are the second most in school history, while his passing yards ranks as the third best single-season performance in school history. Against UCF, he tied a school record with five passing touchdowns, setting the most points responsible for in a game with 36.
In his career, Almond finished 19-12 as a starter (61.3), completed 521-of-1,019 passes for 7,089 yards and 49 touchdowns against 28 interceptions. He has 15 career games over 200 passing yards, including seven as a senior and two games over 300 passing yards, including a career-best 324 yard performance against East Carolina this season.
Almond will end his career first in school history in touchdowns responsible for (62). He currently ranks second in career passing yards (7,089), third in career interception avoidance (.0274) and ranks fourth in touchdown passes (49) and passing efficiency (127.98).
Southern Miss finished 6-5 overall and 5-3 in Conference USA this season. The team will meet Arkansas State in New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m., CT. It will be the Southern Miss' eighth bowl game in the past nine years, and will be the fourth consecutive bowl appearance. The 6-5 record also is the 12th straight winning season for the Golden Eagles, who is one of only seven schools that have achieved the mark.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets from the Southern Miss Ticket Office. Premium sideline tickets are $40 each, Goal line tickets are $20 each and Southern Miss student tickets are $20 each. Priority ticket deadline is Fri., Dec. 9 at 1 p.m., and for ticket information call 1-800-844-TICK, 601-266-5418 or visit www.southernmiss.com.
