By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Western Kentucky Athletics
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (9-4) defeated the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-6) 27-16 to win the 2025 New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday.
It was an impeccable comeback win for the Hilltoppers. Quarterback Maverick McIvor made his mark in this bowl game. It’s one of the reasons why people should always pay attention to bowl games, because you don’t know which player or team is going to make a name for themselves. It’s not always about the big-time program. The underrated schools and players deserve love, too.
Maverick finished his collegiate career as an MVP for this team, earning honors for his performance in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old came off the bench to lead three second-half touchdown drives. McIvor completed 12 of 19 passes for 199 yards with one interception and rushed for a season-high 48 yards and a score on eight carries.
Western Kentucky wide receiver Matthew Henry finished with seven receptions and 126 yards. Western Kentucky had a total of 422 yards. The Hilltoppers outgained the Golden Eagles 338-112 after halftime.
Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton completed 24 of his 47 passes for 258 yards. Wide receiver Tychaun Chapman caught the only touchdown reception for the team.
JJ Hawkins made a tremendous defensive play by forcing a turnover against Western Kentucky. It was one of the best plays of the night.
Western Kentucky Head coach Tyson Helton has led the Hilltoppers (9-4) to a bowl game in seven straight seasons, winning five of them. Excellent finish to the season for the Hilltoppers as they will carry this momentum into next season.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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