Southern Miss (Summer) Game Preview

Nov 30, 2013; Birmingham, AL, USA; Southern Miss Eagles mascot cheers their team on during the game against the UAB Blazers at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Southern Miss is really excited to play Mississippi State. Despite only winning one game in two years (that’s a 1-23 record) they’ve decided to spend the summer talking smack about their first opponent.

If those weren’t enough, USM’s head coach Todd Monken had this comment about the game:

"There is nothing like shutting up a cowbell."

Right on, Southern. You’re asking for it.

While this is the first time the series has been played since 1990, the big story will be the opening of the newly expanded north endzone at Davis Wade Stadium. It will be the 30th consecutive sellout and will be televised by the brand new SEC Network. So lots of excitement but still there will be a game to play.

Southern Miss had a winning record from 1994-2011, but it all came spiraling down in 2012 when Ellis Johnson took over. Whether it was his fault or a bare cupboard left by Larry Fedora or both, the bottom line is the Golden Eagles went 0-12. Then with Todd Monken in 2013 they just managed one win – their final regular season game over UAB 62-27. With that monkey off their back they head into 2014 looking to take steps in the rebuilding process.

16 starters return – eight on offense and eight on defense. USM improved their passing attack a good bit last year but their rushing fell off the map at only 73 YPG. So as a team they did not tally 1,000 yards on the ground last year. That’s about as bad as it gets.

They’ll have three offensive lineman returning, and one of the new guys (Norman Price) is a juco who was committed to MSU before flipping on juco signing day. Will this group be able to pave the way for a running game or pass protect for QB Nick Mullens against State’s nasty D-line? That is doubtful but we’ll just have to play the game.

The bulletin board material USM is giving MSU doesn’t seem too smart. That might be something better served for 2015 when they’re a little better and the game is in Hattiesburg. Nevertheless, the Dawgs should have complete focus for this one..

1. it’s the first game of the year
2. tons of excitement and energy with the newly expanded stadium opening
3. USM has been talking smack
4. the first SEC game isn’t until Week 4

This game has beat-down written all over it. Mississippi State will have to show up, and quite possibly survive a first quarter charge from the Golden Eagles, but this game should not be a four-quarter affair.