Hubbry Logo
68 Ventures Bowl68 Ventures BowlMain
Open search
68 Ventures Bowl
Community hub
68 Ventures Bowl
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
68 Ventures Bowl
68 Ventures Bowl
68 Ventures Bowl
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

68 Ventures Bowl
StadiumHancock Whitney Stadium
LocationMobile, Alabama
Previous stadiumsLadd–Peebles Stadium
Operated1999–present
Conference tie-insSun Belt, MAC
Previous conference tie-insACC, C-USA, WAC
PayoutUS$1.5 million (2019 season)[1]
Website68venturesbowl.com
Sponsors
Former names
  • Mobile Alabama Bowl (1999, May–Nov. 2019)
  • GMAC Mobile Alabama Bowl (2000)
  • GMAC Bowl (2001–2010)
  • GoDaddy.com Bowl (2011–2013)
  • GoDaddy Bowl (2014–2015)
  • Dollar General Bowl (2016–2018)
  • LendingTree Bowl (2019–2022)
2025 matchup
Louisiana vs. Delaware (Delaware 20–13)

The 68 Ventures Bowl is a postseason NCAA-sanctioned Division I FBS college football bowl game that has been played annually in Mobile, Alabama since 1999. In 2021, the game was moved from Ladd–Peebles Stadium to Hancock Whitney Stadium, on the campus of the University of South Alabama. The game currently matches teams from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference. Originally known as the Mobile Alabama Bowl during its first two editions, it has since undergone numerous name changes.

History

[edit]

The game was known as the Mobile Alabama Bowl for its first two playings, in 1999 and 2000. GMAC (now Ally Financial) had become the title sponsor for the 2000 playing, and the game was renamed as the GMAC Bowl for the 2001 though January 2010 playings. It was then the GoDaddy.com Bowl for the January 2011 to January 2013 playings when GoDaddy took over sponsorship.[2] In May 2013, it was announced that the ".com" would be dropped from the bowl's name, rebranding it as the GoDaddy Bowl for the January 2014 through December 2015 editions.[3] Dollar General took over sponsorship on August 17, 2016,[4] with the 2016 through 2018 playings branded as the Dollar General Bowl. It was announced on May 29, 2019, that Dollar General would no longer sponsor the bowl.[5] It was temporarily called by its original name, the Mobile Alabama Bowl,[5] until new sponsorship by LendingTree was announced on November 15, 2019, making it the LendingTree Bowl.[6] On May 15, 2023, the game was renamed as the 68 Ventures Bowl for its new sponsor, Daphne based 68 Ventures, a real estate investment company.[7]

When the bowl first began, it was played as one of the first games of the bowl season in December. The 2006 season saw the game moved to January, and it served as one of the last bowls played before the national championship game of either the Bowl Championship Series or the College Football Playoff. For the 2015 season, the bowl was moved back to December, where it remained for every subsequent playing except for the 2019 season.[5]

Conference tie-ins

[edit]

From 1999 to 2009, the bowl pitted a Conference USA (C-USA) team against a team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC), except for the first two playings, when the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) could receive the bid if one of its easternmost teams qualified as bowl eligible.

For the January 2010 edition, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) was to participate in the bowl as its ninth bowl tie-in. The ACC failed to have sufficient bowl-eligible teams to fill the slot, and the bowl chose Sun Belt Conference champion Troy as a replacement.[8] A MAC vs. Sun Belt matchup was then featured for a total of 11 consecutive bowls, through the January 2020 edition. That streak was broken when the December 2020 edition invited teams from C-USA and the Sun Belt. After Arkansas State of the Sun Belt appeared in the 2012 through 2015 editions of the bowl, the conference and bowl committee agreed on changing the team selection bylaws to avoid repeat appearances by teams in consecutive years.[citation needed]

Notable games

[edit]
  • The 2001 game between the Marshall Thundering Herd and East Carolina Pirates set the record as the highest-scoring bowl game of all time, and Marshall achieved what was then the greatest scoring comeback in bowl history.[9] In this contest, Marshall battled back from a 38–8 deficit to win 64–61, in double overtime. Thundering Herd quarterback Byron Leftwich threw for 576 yards in the game.
  • The 2008 game had the largest margin of victory in the bowl's history, with Tulsa defeating Bowling Green, 63–7.
  • Following the 2023 game, a 59–10 win by South Alabama over Eastern Michigan, an altercation took place on-field between the teams prior to the trophy presentation, initiated by an Eastern Michigan player sucker punching a South Alabama player while the South Alabama marching band and team were singing the school's alma mater.[10][11]

Game results

[edit]
Date Bowl name Winning team Losing team Attnd. Ref.
December 22, 1999 Mobile Alabama Bowl TCU 28 East Carolina 14 34,200 [12]
December 20, 2000 Mobile Alabama Bowl Southern Miss 28 TCU 21 40,300 [13]
December 19, 2001 GMAC Bowl Marshall 64 East Carolina 61 (2OT) 40,139 [14]
December 18, 2002 GMAC Bowl Marshall 38 Louisville 15 40,646 [15]
December 18, 2003 GMAC Bowl Miami (Ohio) 49 Louisville 28 40,620 [16]
December 22, 2004 GMAC Bowl Bowling Green 52 Memphis 35 29,500 [17]
December 21, 2005 GMAC Bowl Toledo 45 UTEP 13 35,422 [18]
January 7, 2007 GMAC Bowl Southern Miss 28 Ohio 7 28,706 [19]
January 6, 2008 GMAC Bowl Tulsa 63 Bowling Green 7 36,932 [20]
January 6, 2009 GMAC Bowl Tulsa 45 Ball State 13 32,816 [21]
January 6, 2010 GMAC Bowl Central Michigan 44 Troy 41 (2OT) 34,486 [22]
January 6, 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl Miami (Ohio) 35 Middle Tennessee 21 38,168 [23]
January 8, 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl Northern Illinois 38 Arkansas State 20 38,734 [24]
January 6, 2013 GoDaddy.com Bowl Arkansas State 17 Kent State 13 37,913 [25]
January 5, 2014 GoDaddy Bowl Arkansas State 23 Ball State 20 36,119 [26]
January 4, 2015 GoDaddy Bowl Toledo 63 Arkansas State 44 36,811 [27]
December 23, 2015 GoDaddy Bowl Georgia Southern 58 Bowling Green 27 28,656 [28]
December 23, 2016 Dollar General Bowl Troy 28 Ohio 23 32,377 [29]
December 23, 2017 Dollar General Bowl Appalachian State 34 Toledo 0 28,706 [30]
December 22, 2018 Dollar General Bowl Troy 42 Buffalo 32 31,818 [31]
January 6, 2020 LendingTree Bowl Louisiana 27 Miami (Ohio) 17 29,212 [32]
December 26, 2020 LendingTree Bowl Georgia State 39 Western Kentucky 21   5,128 [33]
December 18, 2021 LendingTree Bowl Liberty 56 Eastern Michigan 20 15,186 [34]
December 17, 2022 LendingTree Bowl Southern Miss 38 Rice 24 20,512 [35]
December 23, 2023 68 Ventures Bowl South Alabama 59 Eastern Michigan 10 20,926 [36]
December 26, 2024 68 Ventures Bowl Arkansas State 38 Bowling Green 31 19,582 [37]
December 17, 2025 68 Ventures Bowl Delaware 20 Louisiana 13 17,234 [38]

Source:[39]

MVPs

[edit]
Date played MVP School Position
December 22, 1999 Casey Printers TCU QB
December 20, 2000 LaDainian Tomlinson TCU RB
December 19, 2001 Byron Leftwich Marshall QB
December 18, 2002 Byron Leftwich Marshall QB
December 18, 2003 Ben Roethlisberger Miami (OH) QB
December 22, 2004 Omar Jacobs Bowling Green QB
December 21, 2005 Bruce Gradkowski Toledo QB
January 7, 2007 Damion Fletcher Southern Miss RB
January 6, 2008 Paul Smith Tulsa QB
January 6, 2009 Tarrion Adams Tulsa RB
January 6, 2010 Dan LeFevour Central Michigan QB
January 6, 2011 Austin Boucher Miami (OH) QB
January 8, 2012 Chandler Harnish Northern Illinois QB
January 6, 2013 Ryan Aplin Arkansas State QB
January 5, 2014 Fredi Knighten Arkansas State QB
January 4, 2015 Kareem Hunt Toledo RB
December 23, 2015 Favian Upshaw Georgia Southern QB
December 23, 2016 Justin Lucas Troy LB
December 23, 2017 Jalin Moore Appalachian State RB
December 22, 2018 Sawyer Smith Troy QB
January 6, 2020 Levi Lewis Louisiana QB
December 26, 2020 Cornelious Brown IV[40] Georgia State QB
December 18, 2021 Malik Willis[41] Liberty QB
December 17, 2022 Frank Gore Jr.[42] Southern Miss RB
December 23, 2023 Gio Lopez[43] South Alabama QB
December 26, 2024 Jaylen Raynor[44] Arkansas State QB
December 26, 2024 Justin Parks[45] Arkansas State S
December 26, 2024 Courtney Jackson[46] Arkansas State PR/WR
December 17, 2025 Jo Silver Delaware RB

Most appearances

[edit]

Updated through the December 2025 edition (27 games, 54 total appearances).

Teams with multiple appearances
Rank Team Appearances Record
1 Arkansas State 5 3–2
2 Bowling Green 4 1–3
3 Southern Miss 3 3–0
Miami (OH) 3 2–1
Toledo 3 2–1
Troy 3 2–1
7 Marshall 2 2–0
Tulsa 2 2–0
Louisiana 2 1–1
TCU 2 1–1
Ball State 2 0–2
East Carolina 2 0–2
Eastern Michigan 2 0–2
Louisville 2 0–2
Ohio 2 0–2
Teams with a single appearance

Won (8): Appalachian State, Central Michigan, Delaware, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Liberty, Northern Illinois, South Alabama
Lost (7): Buffalo, Kent State, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Rice, UTEP, Western Kentucky

Appearances by conference

[edit]

Updated through the December 2025 edition (27 games, 54 total appearances).

Conference Record Appearances by season
Games W L Win pct. Won Lost
MAC 22 9 13 .409 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009*, 2010*, 2011*, 2014* 2006*, 2007*, 2008*, 2012*, 2013*, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019*, 2021, 2023, 2024
Sun Belt 16 11 5 .688 2012*, 2013*, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019*, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 2009*, 2010*, 2011*, 2014*, 2025
CUSA 13 5 8 .385 2000, 2006*, 2007*, 2008*, 2025 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2020, 2022
WAC 2 1 1 .500 1999 2000
Independent 1 1 0 1.000 2021  
  • Games marked with an asterisk (*) were played in January of the following calendar year.
  • The WAC no longer sponsors FBS football.
  • Independent appearances: Liberty (2021)

Game records

[edit]
Team Record, Team vs. Opponent Year
Most points scored (one team) 64, Marshall vs. East Carolina 2001
Most points scored (losing team) 61, East Carolina vs. Marshall 2001
Most points scored (both teams) 125, Marshall vs. East Carolina 2001
Fewest points allowed 0, Appalachian State vs. Toledo 2017
Largest margin of victory 56, Tulsa vs. Bowling Green 2008
Total yards 649, Marshall vs. East Carolina 2001
Rushing yards 482, Tulsa vs. Ball State 2009
Passing yards 576, Marshall vs. East Carolina 2001
First downs 36, Marshall vs. East Carolina 2001
Fewest yards allowed 146, Appalachian State vs. Toledo 2017
Fewest rushing yards allowed –16, TCU vs. East Carolina 1999
Fewest passing yards allowed 73, South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan 2023
Individual Record, Player, Team vs. Opponent Year
All-purpose yards 566, Byron Leftwich (Marshall) 2001
Touchdowns (all-purpose) 5, Kareem Hunt (Toledo) Jan. 2015
Rushing yards 329, Frank Gore Jr. (Southern Miss) 2022
Rushing touchdowns 5, Kareem Hunt (Toledo) Jan. 2015
Passing yards 576, Byron Leftwich (Marshall) 2001
Passing touchdowns 5, most recent:
Fredi Knighten (Arkansas State)
Jan. 2015
Receptions 17, Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) 2024
Receiving yards 234, Denero Marriott (Marshall) 2001
Receiving touchdowns 3, most recent:
Booker Mays (Arkansas State)
Jan. 2015
Tackles 17, Chris Chamberlain (Tulsa) 2008
Sacks 3, most recent:
Daylen Gill (Southern Miss)		 2022
Interceptions 2, Toran Davis (Ohio) 2016
Long plays Record, Player, Team vs. Opponent Year
Touchdown run 88 yds., Lionel Gates (Louisville) 2003
Touchdown pass 79 yds., Jaylen Raynor to Corey Rucker (Arkansas State) 2024
Kickoff return 95 yds., Antonio Brown (Central Michigan) 2010
Punt return 60 yds., Courtney Jackson (Arkansas State) 2024
Interception return 94 yds., Money Hunter (Arkansas State) Jan. 2015
Fumble return 93 yds., Tyrone Hill[47] (Buffalo) 2018
Punt 65 yds., Britt Barefoot (Southern Miss) †
73 yds., Joseph Davidson (Bowling Green)[48]		 2007
Dec. 2015
Field goal 49 yds., Jesús Gómez (Eastern Michigan) 2023

Source:[49]
† While listed in the record book as the bowl's longest punt, contemporary box scores indicate the longest punt happened in the December 2015 game.[50]

Media coverage

[edit]

The bowl has been televised on ESPN or ESPN2 since its inception.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

68 Ventures Bowl

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 68 Ventures Bowl is an annual postseason sanctioned by the NCAA for teams from the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), typically pitting a Sun Belt Conference team against an opponent from the , , or another qualifier. Established in 1999 in , the game is held at and has been sponsored by the local investment firm 68 Ventures since 2023, following a series of title sponsorships that have evolved with the event's growth. The bowl originated from an initiative by local leaders including Mayor Mike Dow and sports executive Mike Gottfried, who secured NCAA certification in under a year to launch the inaugural game in 1999 as the . It was renamed the GMAC Bowl from 2000 to 2010 under sponsorship by GMAC Financial Services (now ), followed by the from 2011 to 2015, the from 2016 to 2018, and the from 2019 to 2022. These sponsorship changes reflect the game's increasing prominence, with national television coverage on since its inception and a focus on delivering a comprehensive bowl week experience for fans, including events that highlight and hospitality. Beyond competition, the 68 Ventures Bowl serves a broader mission to showcase Mobile as a destination, drive and economic impact, and support educational and athletic opportunities for local youth through scholarships and programs. The 2024 edition, played on December 26, featured Arkansas State from the Sun Belt Conference defeating from the 38–31, continuing a of high-scoring affairs and memorable performances that have defined the bowl over 25 editions. The 2025 game is scheduled for December 17 at 7:30 p.m. Central Time, underscoring the event's role as a holiday staple in .

History

Establishment and name changes

The 68 Ventures Bowl was established in 1999 as the Mobile Alabama Bowl to provide a postseason opportunity for teams from non-major conferences while boosting tourism and generating economic impact in . The initiative originated in the late 1990s through efforts led by local figures including Mobile Mayor Mike Dow, former Mobile Register editor Stan Tiner, and former college coach Mike Gottfried, aiming to celebrate the city's football tradition and heritage. The inaugural game took place on December 22, 1999, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium (renamed in 2020), featuring against and drawing an attendance of 34,200 spectators, which contributed to an estimated $11 million in economic benefits for the region. The bowl's name has evolved through a series of title sponsorship agreements, reflecting shifts in corporate partnerships. It was the Mobile Alabama Bowl in 1999. In 2000, General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) secured a multi-year title sponsorship deal, renaming the event the GMAC Bowl, which it remained until 2010. Subsequent sponsors continued this tradition of rebranding to align with business interests. The game became the from 2011 to 2013, followed by the in 2014 and 2015. It was then known as the from 2016 to 2018 and the from 2019 to 2022. In May 2023, 68 —a , Alabama-based company—signed on as the new title sponsor through at least 2025, renaming it the 68 Ventures Bowl with an emphasis on promoting Gulf Coast economic development, business opportunities, and community enhancement.

Conference tie-ins

The 68 Ventures Bowl, held annually in Mobile, Alabama, has featured evolving conference affiliations since its inception in 1999 as the Mobile Alabama Bowl. The 1999 and 2000 games featured (C-USA) and independent teams. From 2001 to 2009, the game primarily matched teams from against those from the (MAC). During this period, selections often prioritized bowl-eligible teams with at least six wins, drawing from conference standings without fixed hybrid opponents. Beginning in 2010, the bowl transitioned to more varied matchups, incorporating ties with the Sun Belt Conference alongside the MAC, creating hybrid formats that blended conference champions, tiebreaker resolutions, and at-large bids for teams with 6-5 records or better. This era reflected the bowl's flexibility in an independent status, featuring Sun Belt squads starting with the 2010 edition under the GMAC Bowl branding, with Troy representing the Sun Belt. Following the 2014 NCAA realignment that restructured , the bowl established guaranteed slots with the MAC and starting in , ensuring one team from each to promote competitive, intraconference-level matchups and boost postseason opportunities for these leagues. Selection criteria emphasize priority for conference champions if bowl-eligible (at least six wins), followed by tiebreaker winners or selections based on overall records and performance metrics, as seen in the 2024 edition pitting Arkansas State (7-5, ) against Bowling Green (7-5, MAC). This structure, renewed through at least 2025, has solidified the bowl's role in postseason play.

Notable games

One of the most memorable games in the bowl's history occurred on December 19, 2001, during the GMAC Bowl, when the staged a dramatic 30-point comeback to defeat the East Carolina Pirates 64-61 in double . Trailing 38-8 at the break, Marshall quarterback threw for a bowl-record 560 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Herd to the highest-scoring ever at the time, with a combined 125 points. This thriller, featuring four defensive touchdowns and a back-and-forth finish, marked the first contest in the bowl's history and was hailed as an "instant classic" by for its intensity and record-breaking pace. The second and most recent overtime game came on , , in the GMAC Bowl, where No. 25 edged 44-41 in double after a blocked attempt sealed the victory. 's threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 77 yards and another score, overcoming 's late rally in a game that featured 85 total points and five field goals by CMU kicker Andrew Aguila, including the game-winner from 37 yards. This matchup highlighted the bowl's tradition of close, high-stakes finishes between and representatives, with 's blocked 31-yard attempt in the second underscoring the defensive drama. South Alabama achieved a program milestone on December 23, 2023, in the 68 Ventures Bowl, routing Eastern Michigan 59-10 for the Jaguars' first-ever bowl victory and the largest margin of defeat in the game's history at 49 points. quarterback Gio Lopez threw three passes and ran for another, while the rushing attack amassed over 500 yards, including 227 from La'Damian Webb, in a dominant performance that tied a bowl record for first-half points with 35. The win capped South Alabama's best season in FBS history at 7-6 and boosted the Sun Belt Conference's bowl profile against a MAC opponent. The 2024 edition on December 26 delivered another thrilling, high-scoring affair as Arkansas State held off 38-31, combining for 69 points in a game defined by fourth-quarter momentum shifts. The Red Wolves, leading the Sun Belt in total offense, relied on Jaylen Raynor's 247 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus a crucial 28-yard with 1:17 left to secure their first bowl win since 2019 and improve to 8-5. 's Harold Fannin set FBS records with 117 receptions and 1,555 receiving yards on the season, but Arkansas State's defense forced two turnovers in the final frame to preserve the victory against the 7-6 .

Game Results

Annual results

The 68 Ventures Bowl has been contested annually since 1999 at (formerly Ladd-Peebles Stadium) in , with the following results through the 2024 edition. The table below lists each game chronologically, including the date, matchup, final score, winning margin, attendance, and (MVP).
YearDateMatchupScoreMarginAttendanceMVP
1999December 22TCU vs. East Carolina28–14+1434,200QB (TCU)
2000December 20Southern Miss. vs. TCU28–21+740,300RB (TCU) https://www.al.com/sports/2014/05/derrick_thomas_ladainian_tomli.html
2001December 19Marshall vs. East Carolina64–61+340,139QB (Marshall)
2002December 18Marshall vs. Louisville38–15+2340,646QB (Marshall)
2003December 18 vs. Louisville49–28+2140,620QB ()
2004December 22 vs. Memphis52–35+1740,160QB ()
2005December 21Toledo vs. UTEP45–13+3235,422QB (Toledo)
2006January 7Southern Miss. vs. 28–7+2138,751RB Damion Fletcher (Southern Miss.)
2007January 6Tulsa vs. 63–7+5636,932QB Paul Smith (Tulsa)
2008January 6Tulsa vs. Ball State45–13+3232,816RB Tarrion Adams (Tulsa)
2009January 6 vs. 44–41+334,486QB ()
2010January 6 vs. 35–21+1438,168QB Austin Boucher ()
2011January 8 vs. Arkansas State38–20+1838,734QB ()
2012January 6Arkansas State vs. Kent State17–13+437,913QB Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State)
2013January 5Arkansas State vs. Ball State23–20+336,119QB Fredi Knighten (Arkansas State)
2014January 4Toledo vs. Arkansas State63–44+1936,811RB (Toledo)
2015December 23Georgia Southern vs. 58–27+3128,656QB Favian Upshaw (Georgia Southern)
2016December 23 vs. 28–23+532,377LB Justin Lucas ()
2017December 23Appalachian State vs. Toledo34–0+3428,706RB Jalin Moore (Appalachian State)
2018December 22 vs. Buffalo42–32+1031,818QB Sawyer Smith ()
2019January 6 vs. 27–17+1029,212QB Levi Lewis ()
2020December 26Georgia State vs. Western Kentucky39–21+185,128QB Cornelious Brown IV (Georgia State)
2021December 18Liberty vs. Eastern Michigan56–20+3615,186QB (Liberty)
2022December 17Southern Miss. vs. Rice38–24+1420,512RB Frank Gore Jr. (Southern Miss.)
2023December 23 vs. Eastern Michigan59–10+4920,926QB Gio Lopez ()
2024December 26Arkansas State vs. 38–31+719,582TE Harold Fannin Jr. ()
The 2025 68 Ventures Bowl is scheduled for December 17 at in , with the matchup and outcome pending as of November 2025.

Most valuable players

The awards for the 68 Ventures Bowl, formerly known as the LendingTree Bowl and earlier iterations, recognize outstanding performances on offense and defense, with selections beginning consistently around 2001. These awards are determined postgame through voting by a panel comprising media members and coaches from both participating teams, typically honoring one offensive MVP and one defensive MVP per game, alongside an overall MVP and occasionally a special teams MVP. In the bowl's early years, such as the inaugural 1999 GMAC Bowl, defensive MVPs were not always awarded, reflecting evolving award structures. Through 2024, the bowl has recognized approximately 48 offensive and defensive MVPs combined across its 26 editions, with quarterbacks dominating the offensive award due to their central role in game outcomes and linebackers or defensive linemen frequently earning defensive honors for tackles, sacks, and turnovers forced. This trend underscores the impact of signal-callers in high-scoring affairs and front-seven players in controlling the . Recent examples highlight these contributions in pivotal victories. In the 2023 game, South Alabama wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett was named offensive MVP for his eight receptions totaling 127 yards and two touchdowns, helping secure a 59-10 rout of Eastern Michigan. Defensive MVP Jamie Sheriff, a South Alabama defensive end, recorded four tackles including two for loss and two quarterback hurries, contributing to three forced turnovers that limited the Eagles to 150 total yards. The 2024 matchup saw Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor earn offensive MVP honors with 221 passing yards on 18-of-30 completions and two touchdowns to Corey Rucker, powering a 38-31 win over . On defense, safety Justin Parks claimed the award after 10 tackles and a forced fumble, bolstering the Red Wolves' effort to hold off a late rally.

Appearances and Records

Most team appearances

Arkansas State holds the record for the most appearances in the 68 Ventures Bowl with five, posting a 3–2 record through 2024. The Red Wolves made their debut in , suffering a 38–20 defeat to , followed by wins against Kent State (17–13) in 2012 and Ball State (23–20) in 2013; they lost 63–44 to Toledo in 2014 before claiming a 38–31 victory over in 2024. Bowling Green follows with four appearances and a 1–3 record. The Falcons first played in 2004, defeating Memphis 52–35, but dropped a 63–7 decision to Tulsa in 2007, a 58–27 contest to Georgia Southern in 2015, and the 2024 matchup against . Four teams have each appeared three times, with their overall bowl records in the game as follows:
TeamAppearancesRecordFirst AppearanceWin-Loss Breakdown
Southern Miss33–02000Wins over TCU (28–21, 2000), (28–7, 2006), (38–24, 2022)
32–12009Loss to (41–44, 2009); wins over (28–23, 2016), Buffalo (42–32, 2018)
Miami (OH)32–12003Wins over Louisville (49–28, 2003), (35–21, 2010); loss to (17–27, 2019)
Toledo32–12005Wins over UTEP (45–13, 2005), (63–44, 2014); loss to Appalachian State (0–34, 2017)
Sun Belt Conference teams have dominated recent appearances due to established tie-ins with the bowl, while Mid-American Conference (MAC) squads remain competitive participants.

Appearances by conference

The 68 Ventures Bowl has primarily featured teams from non-Power Five conferences since its inception in 1999, with no appearances by teams from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, or SEC through the 2024 edition. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) holds the most appearances with 20, reflecting its consistent tie-in involvement, particularly against the Sun Belt Conference since 2014. Conference USA (C-USA) had 11 appearances, primarily in the bowl's early years, while the Sun Belt has emerged as the dominant participant in recent matchups, securing 15 appearances and the highest win percentage at 73.3%. Early editions from 1999 to 2008 featured a mix of C-USA, MAC, WAC, and Big East teams, with C-USA holding a 5–4 edge in those games. The shift to involvement began in 2009, and following the formal MAC- tie-in in 2014, the has posted an 11–4 record against the MAC overall, highlighting a trend of superiority in the bowl. An outlier occurred in 2021 when an FBS Independent () faced a MAC team, marking the only such appearance and resulting in an Independent victory.
ConferenceAppearancesWinsLossesWin %
15114.733
MAC20713.350
1156.455
WAC211.500
Big East202.000
Independent1101.000

Game and individual records

The 68 Ventures Bowl has produced numerous statistical records across team and individual categories since its inception in 1999, highlighting exceptional offensive, defensive, and special teams performances in single games. These records, updated through the 2024 matchup between Arkansas State and , encompass metrics such as points scored, yardage totals, and defensive disruptions, often set in high-scoring affairs like the 2001 edition. While the bowl emphasizes postseason play between non-conference opponents, these feats provide benchmarks for player and team excellence in a neutral-site environment.

Team Records

CategoryRecordTeam (Opponent, Year)
Most Points Scored64Marshall (East Carolina, 2001)
Most Total Yards1,151Marshall (East Carolina, 2001)
Most Rushing Yards577Tulsa (Ball State, 2009)
Most Passing Yards798 (, 2010)
Largest Margin of Victory56Tulsa (63–7 over , 2007)
Most Combined Points (Game)125Marshall 64, East Carolina 61 (2001)
Most Interceptions (Team)4Miami (Ohio) (, 2011)
Recent games have approached these marks, including South Alabama's 59 points and 49-point margin in a 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan in 2023. The 2024 game totaled 69 combined points, the second-highest in bowl history.

Individual Records

Offensive Records

CategoryRecordPlayer (Team vs. Opponent, Year)
Passing Yards576 (Marshall vs. East Carolina, 2001)
Passing Touchdowns5 ( vs. Memphis, 2004)
Rushing Yards329Frank Gore Jr. (Southern Miss vs. , 2022)
Rushing Touchdowns5 (Toledo vs. Arkansas State, 2015)
Receiving Yards234Denero Marriott (Marshall vs. East Carolina, 2001)
Receptions17Harold Fannin Jr. ( vs. Arkansas State, 2024)
All-Purpose Yards403 ( vs. , 2010)
All-Purpose Touchdowns5 (Toledo vs. Arkansas State, 2015)
Notable recent individual efforts include over 400 passing yards by a in the 2019 Appalachian State vs. UAB game.

Defensive and Special Teams Records

Individual defensive are less comprehensively tracked in official bowl documentation, but key feats include 3 interceptions by a single player in the 2014 Toledo vs. State matchup. Sacks highlight 4.5 by a defender in the 2023 South game, contributing to their dominant performance. Special teams milestones feature 5 field goals made by Andrew Aguila for against in 2010.

Media Coverage

Television and streaming history

The 68 Ventures Bowl has been nationally televised since its debut in 1999, initially airing on for the first two editions, which drew modest audiences under 1 million viewers each. The bowl was primarily broadcast on during the early GMAC Bowl era, moving to ESPN's flagship network in and enhancing production quality and reach through the end of the GMAC Bowl in 2010. During the GoDaddy Bowl period from 2011 to 2015, broadcasts on ESPN achieved notable viewership, including 1.9 million for the 2013 matchup, while introducing early online streaming innovations through ESPN3 for broader digital access. Viewership reached a historical high of 3.4 million in 2010, aided by a celebrity halftime performance. In the subsequent LendingTree Bowl years, audiences varied amid broader trends, with the 2020 edition drawing 1.2 million viewers amid limitations. Recent iterations under the 68 Ventures Bowl name have continued on for 2023 and 2024, attracting 1.7 million viewers in 2024—the highest since 2018—while incorporating for streaming options following the platform's expansion post-2022. The 2025 game is scheduled to air on at 8:30 p.m. ET on December 17.

Radio and digital broadcasting

The 68 Ventures Bowl's radio coverage has been provided nationally by since the early 2000s, encompassing the game's evolution from the Mobile Alabama Bowl to its current branding, with broadcasts featuring experienced announcers like play-by-play announcer Mike Grace alongside analyst Terry Harvin and sideline reporter Randy Kennedy in 2024. Participating teams from conferences such as the (MAC) and air dedicated broadcasts on their respective networks, including the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network for Arkansas State affiliates like KFIN 107.9 FM, ensuring regional access for fanbases. The bowl's historically reaches over 400 affiliate stations nationwide, amplifying its audio presence during postseason play. Digital broadcasting expanded with SiriusXM integration starting in 2010, when the then-GoDaddy Bowl aired on channel 84, providing satellite audio to subscribers and continuing through subsequent editions on channels like 145. In 2024, the game was available via streaming on TuneIn's bowl coverage platform, offering live audio alongside on-demand highlights on the official bowl website. Post-game analysis and recaps appear in specialized podcasts, such as Bowl Season's episodes reviewing matchups like the 2023 South Alabama-Eastern Michigan contest, fostering ongoing digital engagement with historical tie-ins from the bowl's era.

References

  1. https://www.mobile.org/events/sporting-events/mobile-al-bowl/
  2. https://68venturesbowl.com/about/mission-history/
  3. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401677089
  4. https://68venturesbowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-68-Ventures-Bowl-Record-Book-Media-Guide.pdf
  5. https://ecupirates.com/sports/2016/7/7/sports-m-footbl-archive-120510aao-html.aspx
  6. https://gofrogs.com/news/2000/6/12/GMAC_and_Mobile_Partner_in_Season_s_First_College_Bowl_Game
  7. https://www.espn.com/ncf/bowls01/s/gmac_history.html
  8. https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2013-12-10/history-godaddy-bowl
  9. https://www.68ventures.com/68-ventures-announces-the-68-ventures-bowl/
  10. https://getsomemaction.com/news/2024/12/8/seven-mac-football-programs-accept-bowl-bids.aspx
  11. https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/college-football-bowl-ties-affiliations-conference-2025-2026
  12. https://getsomemaction.com/news/2001/12/19/FB_126567.aspx?path=football
  13. https://68venturesbowl.com/about/game-recaps/
  14. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/300062653
  15. https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2010/1/7/No_25_Central_Michigan_Tops_Troy_44_41_in_GMAC_Bowl
  16. https://www.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/01/gmac_bowl_central_michigan_out.html
  17. https://usajaguars.com/news/2023/12/23/football-jags-destroy-emu-in-68-ventures-bowl-to-win-first-bowl-game-in-school-history.aspx
  18. https://www.tsn.ca/ncaa/gio-lopez-leads-south-alabama-to-rout-of-eastern-michigan-in-68-ventures-bowl-1.2052869
  19. https://sunbeltsports.org/news/2023/12/23/football-south-alabama-secures-first-ever-bowl-victory-in-68-ventures-bowl.aspx
  20. https://astateredwolves.com/news/2024/12/27/football-red-wolves-top-bowling-green-in-68-ventures-bowl-38-31.aspx
  21. https://www.al.com/sports/2024/12/arkansas-state-holds-off-bowling-green-in-68-ventures-bowl-38-31.html
  22. https://getsomemaction.com/news/2024/12/27/football-fannin-breaks-two-fbs-records-as-bgsu-concludes-2024-season-at-68-ventures-bowl.aspx
  23. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/bowls/godaddycom-bowl.html
  24. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/2025-68-ventures-bowl-game-021021559.html
  25. https://www.al.com/sports/2021/12/lending-tree-bowl-5-greatest-games.html
  26. https://www.al.com/sports/2014/01/godaddy_bowl_mvp_fulfills_arka.html
  27. https://68venturesbowl.com/2023/12/south-alabama-offense-explodes-in-68-ventures-bowl-rout/
  28. https://www.68ventures.com/68-ventures-bowl-recap/
  29. https://www.baltimoresun.com/1999/12/22/mobile-alabama-bowl/
  30. https://www.espn.com/ncf/bowls01/s/rose_ratings.html
  31. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2010/01/2009-10-bowl-numbers-game/
  32. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2013/01/2012-13-college-football-bowl-tv-ratings-bcs-sec-top-the-charts/
  33. https://www.al.com/solomon/2010/01/football_bowl_tv_ratings_up_8.html
  34. https://ncsportsnetwork.com/why-are-there-so-many-bowl-games-these-numbers-emphatic-answer/
  35. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/01/espns-college-football-bowl-viewership-reaches-record-highs-for-2024-25-season/
  36. https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2025-06-05/2025-26-college-football-bowl-game-schedule-scores-tv-channels-times
  37. https://issuu.com/mabowl/docs/2024_68_ventures_bowl_program
  38. https://astateredwolves.com/news/2024/12/9/football-live-with-the-red-wolves-68-ventures-bowl-edition-set-for-december-11.aspx
  39. http://www.digitalradiocentral.com/threads/college-sports-schedule-on-sirius-and-xm.9669/
  40. https://sunbeltsports.org/sports/2014/12/7/16_GoDaddy_Bowl.aspx
  41. https://tunein.com/radio/College-Football-Bowl-Games-c100005397/
  42. https://issuu.com/mabowl/docs/2024_68_ventures_bowl_year_recap
  43. https://bowlseason.com/podcasts/-s2-e20-matt-fortuna-frank-gore-jr-gary-stokan/45
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.