NEW ORLEANS BOWL Memphis' win validates coach's dream

A 32-year drought is over for the Tigers, who defeated North Texas, 27-17.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Persuading good players to come to long-struggling Memphis was a tough task for Tigers coach Tommy West.
He made a point of recognizing those who had faith in him after Memphis (9-4) won its first bowl game in 32 years Tuesday night -- a 27-17 victory over North Texas (9-4) in the New Orleans Bowl.
"These guys had to buy into a dream of what it could be, not what it was because it wasn't very good," West said. "We had always been the type that had to learn how to handle adversity, now we've got to learn how to handle success, but I don't think that'll be a problem."
Hometown boy
Danny Wimprine, who grew up in New Orleans, threw for 254 yards and accounted for two touchdowns to lead the Tigers' attack.
Wimprine, a junior, was born about a decade after Memphis' last bowl appearance -- a 28-9 victory over San Jose State in the 1971 Pasadena Bowl. Memphis has been bad for most years since, including last season, when the Tigers went 3-9.
"It's been a long time coming for this university," Wimprine said. "All those seniors, those guys who have been here through so many tough times ... to go out as winners makes me feel great for this team."
Wimprine had played in the Superdome three times before, winning two Louisiana high school championships with John Curtis and a regular-season game for Memphis over Tulane this season.
He was named the MVP of Tuesday night's game, the first of 28 college bowls this season.
"This is a great place for me," Wimprine said. "It's just another memory to add to the collection, and this is probably the best one."
Memphis was without its best running back, DeAngelo Williams, who was the Conference USA player of the year.
But Wimprine moved the offense early by completing his first 10 passes, including sideline bombs of 63 yards to Darren Garcia and 50 yards to Mario Pratcher. Both passes set up TDs as the Tigers took a 17-3 lead. Wimprine finished 17-of-23 with no interceptions.
Bullet TD pass
Wimprine's touchdown pass was a 10-yard bullet to Chris Kelley as the receiver crouched in tight coverage along the sideline. Wimprine also ran for a 7-yard score on a quarterback draw, the game's first touchdown.
"He made some outstanding throws. He's a smart quarterback. He moves around the pocket well," North Texas coach Darrell Dickey said. "We hadn't given up a ton of big plays, but they hit us for some."
North Texas' Patrick Cobbs, the nation's leader in yards rushing per game with 157, gained 110 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Scott Hall threw for 152 yards, completing several long passes in the second half on two touchdown drives as North Texas kept it close well into the fourth quarter.
North Texas has represented the fledgling Sun Belt Conference in all three New Orleans Bowls and won the game last year against Cincinnati.