Seminoles to face Southern Mississippi in Independence Bowl

Florida State bowl-bound for 36th consecutive season

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State Seminoles are going bowling for the 36th consecutive season.

Florida State (6-6) will face Southern Mississippi (8-4) on Dec. 27 in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Seminoles, who were 3-6 at one point in the season, are being led by interim coach Odell Haggins after head coach Jimbo Fisher resigned to take the same position at Texas A&M.

Southern Mississippi was once a mainstay on Florida State's schedule, although the teams haven't met since FSU's 54-14 win in 1996. Florida State has a 13-8-1 advantage in the series.

The Golden Eagles, like the Seminoles, have won three in a row. They're making their third straight bowl appearance.

Although FSU is trying to avoid its first losing season since 1976, it remains to be seen if star safety Derwin James will be there to help. James said Saturday he hasn't made up his mind whether he'll play in the bowl game or declare for the NFL draft.

The Seminoles haven't missed a bowl game since 1981.