Utah's Souza won't play in bowl

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Utes left a guy behind.

Offensive lineman Sean Souza, who appeared in all 11 games this season, did not make the trip to the Liberty Bowl after failing to make the grade academically. The versatile senior, capable of playing every position on the line, was dismissed from the team at the end of fall semester.

"He just didn't fulfill his academic responsibilities. It's really a shame because he did a good job most of the semester, but right at the end he kind of fell off," said Utah coach Urban Meyer. "That's been his history. The difference this year is he can't play."

Meyer called the situation disappointing.

"Sean Souza actually did a lot for this program. He did a lot for himself," Meyer said. "To think he won't get a championship ring now and won't play in a bowl game is tough. Those are the rewards of hard work. And the biggest thing is he's not going to get a degree."

Souza started five games at right guard and three at right tackle before being relegated to reserve play in Utah's season-ending victories over Air Force, Wyoming and BYU.

WINNING WEATHER: While folks back home continue to dig out of this week's series of snowstorms, the Utes are basking in unseasonably warm temperatures in Memphis.

"Colorado State told us the story of when they came out here and it was 25-30 degrees," Meyer said. "So to come out in 65 (degrees), this is one of the best days I've ever had at a bowl game. We're anxious to be here and we're glad to be here. The weather is only helping things."

DOING IT FOR C-USA: Conference USA received five bowl berths this season. So far the league hasn't fared very well. They are just 1-3 with the lone win coming in the New Orleans Bowl where Memphis downed North Texas.

As Conference USA's outright champion, Southern Mississippi wants to make a statement for the league against the Utes.

"Part of being a champion is having the responsibility to represent your league by being successful in your bowl game," said Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower. "The neat thing about this bowl is that you have two conference champions playing each other and that adds excitement to it."

BOWL GEAR: The Utes won't spend much of their free time souvenir shopping. There's no need. They'll leave town with plenty of keepsakes — $300 worth of gear from the Liberty Bowl and nearly that much from the university.