Dasher Sets Rushing Record in New Orleans Bowl

The MTSU Blue Raiders represented the university, and the Sun Belt conference, in a big way in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

The team had a shaky start to the game, and fell behind 14-0 early to the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, but MTSU battled back for the program’s first postseason bowl win since a New Year’s Day, 1960, victory in the Tangerine Bowl against Presbyterian College.

Junior quarterback Dwight Dasher set a new NCAA bowl game record for rushing yards by quarterback. In the game, he gained 201 yards on the ground, topping Vince Young’s historic 200-yard Rose Bowl performance.

“He single-handedly did it against us,” Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora said of Dasher after the game.

The Blue Raiders won the contest, televised live on ESPN from the Superdome, 42-32.

About the Author

Bracken, a 2003 graduate of MTSU's journalism program, is the founder and publisher of The Murfreesboro Pulse. He lives in Murfreesboro with his wife and graphic artist, Sarah, and son, Bracken Jr., and also gives piano lessons. Call 615.796.6248 if you're serious about learning and have access to a piano or keyboard.