The 24th annual New Orleans Bowl featured Georgia Southern and Sam Houston.
[5] Sam Houston compiled an overall record of 9–3 during the regular season (6–2 in conference).
Their losses were to UCF, Western Kentucky, and Jacksonville State.
Brad Cornelsen was named interim head coach for the New Orleans Bowl, after K. C. Keeler departed in early December for Temple.
Their four losses were to Boise State, Ole Miss, Old Dominion, and Troy.