|
DB/PR/KR
John Eubanks |
|
2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Jeff Bower
96-67-1,
15 years |
2004
Record:7-5 |
|
at
Nebraska |
WON
21-17 |
at
Tulane |
WON
32-14 |
at
South Florida |
WON
27-20 |
HOUSTON |
WON
35-29 |
at
Alabama |
LOST
3-27 |
EAST
CAROLINA |
WON
51-10 |
CINCINNATI |
LOST
24-52 |
at
Memphis |
LOST
26-30 |
at
TCU |
LOST
17-42 |
UAB |
WON
26-21 |
CALIFORNIA |
LOST
16-26 |
NEW
ORLEANS BOWL |
vs.
North Texas |
WON
31-10 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
|
2005
Outlook |
Head
coach Jeff Bower has built a consistent
winner in Hattiesburg. The Golden
Eagles have won four C-USA titles
(since joining in 1996) and have appeared
in bowl games in seven of the last
eight years, going 4-3. Perhaps the
only problem with Bower's successful
legacy in Hattiesburg is his lack
of a "statement" victory
over a perennial power. Going into
Alabama for 13 straight years (1-12)
doesn't change this campaign, and
we admire Bower for consistently challenging
his boys to do what it takes to attain
that "next level". But the
results just epitomize how Bower has
traditionally done poorly against
big-time non-cons (he has never beat
a school from a BCS-aligned conference
which ended that same year with a
winning record), yet has ruled CUSA
teams (all-time going 47-14 and 25-5
at home under Bower). With a conference
gutted by the defections of Louisville
and South Florida to the Big East,
the Golden Eagles will have a shot
to go to the first-ever conference
championship game. The Eagles will
be paired in the top-heavy Eastern
Division with Marshall and Memphis,
a pair of clubs that, too, each have
enough talent to play for the crown.
Even if the Eagles win all of their
other conference contests, the season
will ride on the final two games against
these two. Trips to Alabama and N.C.
State also loom for the Eagles, so
the work within the schedule is cut
out for a school that usually loses
to better teams.
Unlike
the rest of their C-USA opposition,
Bower's clubs are not set up to go
out and simply outscore anyone. The
Eagles typically rely on a methodical
ball control offense, a stout defense
and solid special teams to win the
day
and last season, the defense
was not able to hold up their end
of that bargain. CB/KR/PR John Eubanks
earns all-American honors from us
at an unprecedented two positions
for the upcoming campaign, so realize
how high the DB bar is set and how
he will help his mates easily reach
it. Accordingly, the Eagles will improve
last year's uncharacteristically porous
defense with another strong secondary
that will usher in the LBs and instill
confidence throughout the unit.
USM
will also will be working with a new
(internally promoted, was RB's coach)
offensive coordinator Jay Johnson.
Even the slightest improvements on
offense would be welcome change after
last year's brownout, so don't think
coaches will have their usual patience
with Almond if his progress again
stagnates. Junior QB Damion Carter
has the complete package and would
elevate the team with his confidence
and energy, so watch this variable
closely to see if USM gets over its
offensive roadbump at field general.
Look
for Bower's crew to trip up once or
twice early, but they will refocus
and produce improvements once they
see the newbies play at real-game
speed. Traditionally and predictably,
the Eagles will do as Bower's clubs
often do - get stronger as the campaign
goes on and save their best for the
stretch run. A real sleeper of a program,
Southern Mississippi regains its feared
edge as the toughest team most of
its foes face all season. So if you
can hear "the Pride" of
Hattiesburg, sing the refrain with
us, "Southern
Mississippi to the top! To the top..."
Projected
2005 record: 8-3
|
|
|
WR
Antwon Courington |
SOUTHERN
MISS
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 3 |
RB
- 3.5 |
LB
- 2.5 |
WR
- 2.5 |
DB
- 4 |
OL
- 2.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Dustin Almond, 269-138-6, 1848 yds.,
12 TD
Rushing: Anthony Harris, 175
att., 714 yds., 5 TD
Receiving: Antwon Courington,
47 rec., 659 yds., 5 TD
Scoring: Darren McCaleb, 16-19
FG, 27-31 PAT, 75 pts.
Punting: Luke Johnson, 67 punts,
41.8 avg.
Kicking: Darren McCaleb, 16-19
FG, 27-31 PAT, 75 pts.
Tackles: Trevis Coley, 104
tot., 66 solo
Sacks: Akeem Lockett, 4 sacks
Interceptions: Trevis Coley,
4 for 39 yds.
Kickoff Returns: John Eubanks,
21 ret., 29.4 avg., 1 TD
Punt Returns: John Eubanks,
21 ret., 7.7 avg., 0 TD
|
|
|
|
|
SOUTHERN
MISS
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 5 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 7 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Sherron Moore-RB, DaRon Lawrence-WR,
Marvin Young-WR, Otho Graves-TE, Chris
White-OT, Addaryl Edwards-C, Jeremy
Parquet-OT |
DEFENSE:
LeVon
Pears-DE, Chad Ruffin-NT, Eric Scott-DT,
Michael Boley-SLB, Dillon Cleckler-MLB,
Antoine Cash-WLB |
|
|
2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Calling signals for the Golden Eagles will
likely be Dustin Almond (at first). The
senior has become a solid, yet unspectacular
leader of the offense. But mainly, he needs
to improve upon his completion percentage
(49% over entire career), though he has
arm-strength. With an improved running game
and with the quality of receivers that he
has to throw to, Almond's TD total (12)
needs to come up. Almond's longest pass
of '04 was 47 yards, so either the play-calling
and/or Almond's decision-making is suspect.
We feel he needs to have his own number
called (good mobility), and Dustin needs
to find the open man deep so as to eventually
open up those underneath routes. Backup
Jeremy Young has a great arm, but needs
work on his ability to flow in the real
game scenarios. N'awlins-native Damion Carter
will likely be the top backup, for he is
capable of making athletic plays in the
pocket (better mobility than either Almond
or Young) and has the pedigree (Newman,
Peyton and Eli's prep team) to rise at this
level if brought along. If Almond goes down
or struggles early, look for Carter to step
up and perform well enough to hold the starter's
spot from then on.
Running
Back
The Eagles will bring back top rusher Anthony
Harris. While Harris will impress with quality
speed, he is more of a solid north-south
runner, with good size (222 pounds) and
strength, and who's not particularly fumble-prone.
Sophomore Larry Thomas brings a good change
of pace; smaller and quicker, but surprisingly
tough, too, Thomas himself is ready to carry
the load. He brings instant, first-step
speed (averaged 6.9 yards per with a long
of 79 yards while, all season, only losing
five yards on 49 carries) that the Southern
Miss backfield needs. Though fresh, upcoming
potential at TB exists beyond these two,
the talents of FBs Bobby Weakley and Wayne
Hardy seem to be wasted if they continue
to (pretty much) just block. Using a two-back
approach with either/both (FBs) would open
up other areas of the field as fakes and
misdirection plays - crucial to those run-weighted
offensive schemes USM employs (58% rushes)
- would give Almond time. If/when this unit
doesn't flourish and/or reach its potential,
it won't be their fault.
Receiver
and Tight End
Antwon Courington gives the Eagles perhaps
the best pure playmaker in C-USA. He has
the size (6-3), speed (prep track champ,
4x100) and great hands that every top-flight
pass catcher must possess. But USM coaches,
listen up
this all-conference performer
has to go out further than 40 yards (his
longest) for USM to get the field-stretching
prescribed for wins. Speedster Anthony Perine
is the Eagles' smart possession guy who
runs solid underneath routes. Tavarres Williams
may be a budding star. Like Courington and
Perine, he is big and possesses breakaway
speed (team longs in average - 19+ yards
per grab - and single pass from Almond -
47 yards). Converted wideout Pedi Causey
will be the quick TE mismatched against
LBs and safeties. JUCO-transfer Josh Barnes
has the speed and hands to play immediately.
But the entire TE unit is weak for inside
blocking, somewhat inverse of how they (will)
employ WRs - USM predicates itself on having
prototypically large WRs who are strong
down-field blockers, and this physical corps
can hold its own this way.
Offensive
Line
Junior guard Travis Cooley is one of the
best offensive linemen in C-USA and while
not the biggest, he moves as well as anyone.
George Batiste is quietly turning into a
solid, if not spectacular, blocker. The
entire rest of the two-deep will be new,
and the turnover here should be good for
morale. This unit was one of, if not the
main reasons why the offense stunk. They
allowed 19 sacks; not bad, but we're sure
they would give up a few extra sacks to
get 4+ per carry in return, and this new
group's mobility is just the new age cure
needed. Roll-outs and stunts are going to
be the smartest approaches coaches can choose
to capitalize on the potential available.
It will take time to get a solid unit, but
growth won't be overly painful; (at) 'Bama
(second game, 9/10/05) will let them know
how far they have to go.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Football is a bottom-line business and the
bottom line last season was that a talented
group, capable of some flow and consistency,
was unable to get the job done when needed.
How else can you explain an awful 35 percent
third down percentage and an offense ranked
mid-pack or near the bottom in every offensive
category? By not being particularly great
at one facet, all facets reflected dismal
mediocrity. Jay Johnson, their RB-coach
hired from within to be coordinator, won't
change much - good for continuity, bad for
change's sake. That means execution will
be the variable honed, and Johnson's tough,
physical approach will bleed into all units
even more. A new line means the QB may not
get the protection he has recently had,
so other creative options will be explored.
When Almond again makes bad decisions, one
solution will be to roll Carter's dice,
for he is their likely '06 starter and has
the speed and arm to make QB play at USM
once again dangerous and feared (Favre).
Knowing how the USM script plays out when
Almond is shaky, look for Carter to see
action early and often, as soon as Almond
begins to falter. If Almond isn't subbed
out, the box gets loaded as foes then can
again anticipate and stop his short throws
and /or USM's basic runs. This new line
will fold if the box is loaded regularly,
so strong line play will have to come or
the entire team again suffers.
|
|
RB
Anthony Harris
|
|
|
SOUTHERN
MISS 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Dustin
Almond-Sr (6-2, 212) |
Jeremy
Young-So (6-3, 204) |
FB |
Anthony
Harris-Sr (5-10, 222) |
Bobby
Weakley-Jr (5-10, 230) |
RB |
Larry
Thomas-So (6-0, 192) |
Cody
Hull-So (6-0, 197) |
WR |
Anthony
Perine-Jr (6-0, 173) |
Damion
Carter-Jr (6-3, 187) |
WR |
Antwon
Courington-Sr (6-2, 205) |
Tavarres
Williams-So (6-0, 182) |
TE |
Jonathan
Palmer-Jr (6-3, 260) |
Shawn
Nelson-Fr (6-5, 225) |
OT |
Chris
Clark-So (6-5, 263) |
Wesley
Housley-Fr (6-2, 283) |
OG |
Travis
Cooley-Jr (6-3, 280) |
Ricardo
Clark-Sr (6-1, 300) |
C |
Robby
D'Angelo-Jr (6-2, 274) |
Rick
Thompson-So (6-0, 281) |
OG |
George
Batiste-Jr (6-5, 306) |
Bradley
Worthington-Sr (6-4, 303) |
OT |
Neal
Mead-Sr (6-4, 315) |
Joseph
Leech-Jr (6-4, 283) |
K |
Darren
McCaleb-Jr (5-11, 167) |
Luke
Johnson-Sr (6-0, 247) (KO) |
|
|
2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
End Matthew Chatelain is solid against the
run despite being somewhat slight, and he
needs to become a better rush end (one sack
last season) or, himself, succumb to the
new wave. The other bookend, Akeem Lockett,
was perhaps the squad's best pass rusher,
though he is also a mid-sized model. Martavious
Prince is an athletic NT whose non-stop
motor keeps him always moving towards the
ball. JUCO-transfer Shander Manning, Mam
Nyang and Cedric Jones represent the super-quick
youth soon to shine. This group is not chocked
with much size or many all-conference performers,
but they will get the job done in swarming
fashion and cut down on allowing an embarrassing
(by USM standards) 4.4 per carry.
Linebacker
Southern Miss is C-USA's "Linebacker
U" and for good reason - all of the
LBs on the CUSA all-decade team came from
here. But replacing the entire starting
crew will have impact, regardless of the
quality depth available. New man in the
middle Kevis Coley will try to emulate (DB)
twin-brother Trevis' all-conference season.
His similar size and speed mean he can drop
back as well as be a solid run stopper,
but replacing Boley's (all-decade) output
will not be seen at first. Naton Stewart
will take over on the weakside and has the
ability to play both run and pass equally
as well, as was proven when he was 2004's
top reserve. JUCO-transfer Jerome Lyons
will step in and contribute immediately
with his size-speed, and he represents a
svelte group of newbies who will be rough,
but ready, come fall.
Defensive
Back
Second-team NC.net all-American CB John
Eubanks plays risky, but well enough that
the corner sees few challenges. Other starter
Caleb Hendrix can also be left on an island,
so the corners are solid as they force most
action over the middle. All-conference FS
Trevis Coley has linebacker size (6-1, 220),
excellent recovery speed and a hard-hitting
nature, while rover Darrell Bennett, a converted
wideout, is not as speedy or as physical
as Coley, but is always around the ball.
Nickel guy Jasper Faulk guarantees that
the well-groomed underclassmen have enough
teachers to make this unit solid throughout
the two-deep. He, like Coley, also will
see action with the changes to the front
seven. This same secondary was the defense's
strongpoint in '04, but with three new starters
in front of them (all LBs are new), we wonder
how thin this group can be spread and still
keep its effectiveness. With twin brothers
representing the interchange-ability of
the back seven, lots of nickel and dime
looks will blur the line between the speedy
LBs that can drop back and how these DBs
are plugged in for run support for optimal
affect.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Last season, the Eagles did something that
they haven't done often during Bower's reign
at Hattiesburg: they became a sieve on defense.
Surrendering 24 points per contest is not
a recipe for success here. With a fresh
infusion of top-flight JUCO talent, this
defense should be much improved, but still
not to the level that Bower expects. With
three decent foes to end, strong initial
results cannot lull them into thinking all
problems are solved. Front-seven adjustments
(all new LB starters) may seem minimal,
but with size issues up front, watch carefully
for extra LBs to become down-linemen, just
as the safeties will be able to fly around
the box effectively ("multiple-40")
with their size to bolster USM's weakest
facet - run stopping. The DBs are strong
enough (all starters return) to lend a few
hats to this pursuit, but it will only be
once the front seven is able to handle its
own responsibilities that this defense can
again be what it once was. DB's coach and
newly promoted coordinator Jay Hopson is
a secondary genius (UF, LSU), and his tutelage
assures the DBs will be properly utilized
so the run-stopping can effectively be bolstered
while the big plays are kept to a minimum.
The swagger returns as the Eagle D soars
to once again win games by itself.
|
|
DB
Trevis Coley
|
|
|
SOUTHERN
MISS 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Matthew
Chatelain-Jr (6-2, 244) |
Shadler
Manning-Jr (6-2, 250) |
NT |
Tom
Johnson-Sr (6-3, 280) |
Ryan
Watson-So (6-2, 271) |
DT |
Terrance
Ford-Sr (6-1, 300) |
Martavius
Prince-So (6-2, 285) |
BAN |
Akeem
Lockett-Sr (6-2, 250) |
Robert
Henderson-So (6-3, 250) |
SLB |
Naton
Stewart-Sr (6-3, 239) |
Gerald
McRath-Fr (6-2, 210) |
MLB |
Kevis
Coley-Sr (6-1, 223) |
Chaz
Richards-So (5-11, 230) |
WLB |
Trevis
Coley-Jr (6-2, 216) |
Wayne
Hardy-Jr (6-0, 223) |
CB |
John
Eubanks-Sr (5-11, 177) |
James
Nelson-So (5-10, 168) |
CB |
Caleb
Hendrix-Jr (5-10, 177) |
Lance
Moore-Fr (6-0, 187) |
ROV |
Brandon
Sumrall-So (5-11, 185) |
Jasper
Faulk-So (5-10, 185) |
FS |
Darrell
Bennett-Jr (6-0, 210) |
LeVance
Richmond-Jr (5-11, 190) |
P |
Luke
Johnson-Sr (6-0, 247) |
Britt
Barefoot-So (6-0, 174) |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
Consistent Darren McCaleb will return after hitting
all of his regular season tries (16). The rising
junior went four-for-five from 40+ and is definitely
solid. Kick coverage will step up with the infusion
of budding DB and LB talent.
Punter
Punter Luke Johnson averaged 41 yards, but more
importantly dropped 16 inside the 20 and had 17
fair-caught. Strong net results ensued, and will
continue with LB's coach Lytrel Pollard able to
gauge who's who as he is their special teams coach,
too. Johnson also kicks-off, and about half of
those are touchbacks, so his big leg can always
step in for McCaleb.
Return
Game
Third-team NC.net all-American KR Eubanks' impact
is a major field position coup - the Golden Eagles
get the ball consistently five to ten extra yards
further downfield than foes, and that adds up.
Eubanks is decent on punts (5th-rated in I-A)
with good vision as an ex-QB, but we expect his
speed to break out here eventually for scores.
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