Montgomery, Alabama, is bracing for a gridiron clash as the South Alabama Jaguars and the Western Michigan Broncos lock horns in the 2024 Salute to Veterans Bowl. This annual postseason contest, slated for Saturday, December 14 at 9:00 PM on ESPN, pits two 6-6 teams against each other in what could be a surprisingly compelling matchup.
For South Alabama, this marks a return to familiar territory, albeit with a different outcome in mind. They last graced the Cramton Bowl turf in the inaugural 2014 Salute to Veterans Bowl, suffering a loss to Bowling Green. However, the Jaguars are entering this year’s game with the wind at their backs, having clinched their first bowl-game victory in 2023, a decisive 49-point drubbing of Eastern Michigan.
Western Michigan, on the other hand, will be looking to spoil the Jaguars’ homecoming and end their season on a high note. Both teams, sporting identical 6-6 records, find themselves in a similar position—eager to prove themselves and finish the year with a winning record.
This game holds particular interest for fans of the Sun Belt and Mid-American Conferences, as it represents a chance for each conference to claim bragging rights. Beyond the conference rivalry, the Salute to Veterans Bowl itself carries a certain weight, offering a platform for these teams to gain national recognition and boost their programs’ visibility.
The Jaguars and Broncos, while not household names in the world of college football, bring unique strengths to the table. Will South Alabama’s recent bowl-game success translate into another victory, or will Western Michigan flip the script? Tune in to ESPN on Saturday, December 14, at 9:00 PM to find out.
The Salute to Veterans Bowl airs on ESPN, Saturday at 9:00 PM.
