Alot of talk was done earlier in the season about possibly moving this game to New Orleans in order for the university to make more money from the game, and finally we have an official decision....

They have decided to move the game to Lincoln, Nebraska.... so USM will play 5 home compared to 7 road games next season (Assuming the last non-conference game is played at home)

**EDIT** I just read that Southern Miss has finalized that they will open up the 2013 season at home vs Texas St. .... so 5 home games vs 7 road games.

It was just enough money to buy out EJ. The program is in financial trouble and had no choice.

Hammond explains it HERE

I understand the financial side of the situation... I'm just surprised that playing a game in Lincoln will make the school more money than playing at a neutral site like New Orleans.

Before this past season, the game in N.O would've gotten us some good money but 0-12 kind of f's everything up

True, but with a new coach coming in, I think that USM fans would again be excited about next season....

I just read that USM will be paid 2,125,000.00 for moving the game... so espnu was correct, just enough to cover getting rid of Johnson...

eaglefaithful wrote: I understand the financial side of the situation... I'm just surprised that playing a game in Lincoln will make the school more money than playing at a neutral site like New Orleans.

I hate it that the Nebraska game will be moved to Lincoln, but it seems that USM would still make more money going to Lincoln than if the game was played in Hattiesburg.

New Orleans has been out for a while. Hammond was shopping the game around pretty early and was going to get it moved to Kansas City (close to Lincoln) and got Nebraska to out bid just barely.

eaglefaithful wrote: True, but with a new coach coming in, I think that USM fans would again be excited about next season....

I just read that USM will be paid 2,125,000.00 for moving the game... so espnu was correct, just enough to cover getting rid of Johnson...

NOLA was shopping for the game, but they were not even close to the money KC offerred. Then GJH told Tom O that he could have the game and the teams would not have to pay for stadium personnel. The only deal breaker was that Neb had to beat the KC price of $2 mil. Neb gave us $2.1 and saved both teams money by staying in Lincoln. Great job by GJH getting the most that he could for the game. He is a savvy businessman and General.

I agree. It may not be popular with some fans, but it was the absolute best move for the program.

Satchmo22 wrote: NOLA was shopping for the game, but they were not even close to the money KC offerred. Then GJH told Tom O that he could have the game and the teams would not have to pay for stadium personnel. The only deal breaker was that Neb had to beat the KC price of $2 mil. Neb gave us $2.1 and saved both teams money by staying in Lincoln. Great job by GJH getting the most that he could for the game. He is a savvy businessman and General.