Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
2000 record: 8-4 (4-3)
Coach: Jeff Bower (11th year, 67-47-1).
Starters returning: 9 offense, 4 defense, 2 kickers.
Outlook: The Eagles suffered a blow when RB Derrick Nix was pronounced
out for the season because of kidney problems, but coach Jeff Bower still
expects his team to be improved offensively behind senior QB Jeff Kelly. The
offensive line remains a question mark heading into the season after being
shuffled repeatedly last year because of injuries. On defense, Bower must
replace eight starters but thinks he has some talent coming in. Chad
Williams, a senior strong safety, has been an unsung performer the past
couple of seasons who should move into the spotlight this year. Roy Magee is
back as a three-year starter at LB as is Rod Davis, who was a freshman
All-American. Bower has to replace the entire line and will rely on some
junior college transfers. But the unit that finished second nationally in
total defense a year ago has some high expectations.
Keep an eye on: SS Chad Williams. He's big enough to lay the big hits on running backs, but fast enough to cover wide receivers. The 5-10, 200-pound senior
runs a 4.55 40-yard dash and also has a knack for getting to the quarterback.
Key game: At home against UAB in their conference opener on Sept. 29. The Blazers are much improved and will bring one of the nation's top defenses. A Southern Miss loss in Hattiesburg early in the season would be a tough blow for a
proud program.
It's a good year if... The Eagles go to a fifth straight bowl. With conference games at Louisville and East Carolina, the road will be
tough, but Southern Miss expects to be in the top four of C-USA in November.
Eric Crawford covers Conference USA for the Louisville Courier-Journal.
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