Behind the scoring of Josimar Ayarza, Southern Miss beat the University of New Orleans 78-58 in the second game of the South Mississippi Christmas Classic in Gulfport. The Golden Eagle defense held UNO to just 15-56 (26.8%) from the field. Ayarza finished with 16 points. Gary Flowers also contributed another double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. With the win USM, ranked #4 in RPI rankings before the game, improves to 8-1.
The South Mississippi Christmas Classic continues tomorrow in Gulfport. North Florida takes on UNO at 4:30pm and Southern Miss plays Canisius at 7pm.
Commentary and news updates on Southern Miss Golden Eagles football, basketball, baseball and more.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Basketball Update
Southern Miss is leading the University of New Orleans 33-25 at halftime in the second game of the South Mississippi Christmas Classic in Gulfport. Maurice Bolden is leading the Golden Eagles with 10 points. USM held UNO to a 29.6% shooting percentage in the first half.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Lady Eagles Fall On The Road
The Lady Eagles dropped a road contest 73-64 tonight against Belmont University at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, TN. Tanesha Washington led the Lady Eagles with 13 points.
USM returns to Hattiesburg on December 22 when the face Arkansas-Little Rock.
USM returns to Hattiesburg on December 22 when the face Arkansas-Little Rock.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - McKee Waived By Jets, Signed By Rams
The New York Jets waived former Golden Eagle Ryan Mckee less than a week after signing him to the active roster. McKee wasn't a free agent long though. Today he was signed by the St. Louis Rams.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 12/16/2009
Brett Favre (4) - Minnesota Vikings
Adalius Thomas (96) - New England Patriots
Jeremy Bridges (73) - Arizona Cardinals
Michael Boley (52) - New York Giants
Chris White (63) - Houston Texans
Chris Clark (75) - Minnesota Vikings (Practice Squad)
Demar Dotson (69) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan McKee (68) - St. Louis Rams
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 12/16/2009
Brett Favre (4) - Minnesota Vikings
Adalius Thomas (96) - New England Patriots
Jeremy Bridges (73) - Arizona Cardinals
Michael Boley (52) - New York Giants
Chris White (63) - Houston Texans
Chris Clark (75) - Minnesota Vikings (Practice Squad)
Demar Dotson (69) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan McKee (68) - St. Louis Rams
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Golden Eagles Sign Three In Football Early Signing Period
Two big linemen and a big play receiver signed with Southern Miss today in the early signing period for football.
Lamar Holmes, of Gastonia, North Carolina, played the last two seasons at Itawamba Community College where he was a first team MACJC North pick during his freshman campaign. The 6-foot-6, 340-lb., offensive lineman was rated a four-star pick by Rivals.com. Holmes also received offers from Auburn, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State and Troy.
Jason Weaver, a New Orleans native and Edna Karr High School graduate, has spent the last two seasons at Western Arizona Community College in Yuma where his team finished 9-2 this season and earned a trip to the 2009 Mississippi Bowl. Slated to play at offensive tackle, Weaver is listed at 6-foot-5, 320 lbs. He received a three-star rating from Rivals.com. Weaver also received offers from Arizona, Kansas State and Miami.
Kelvin Bolden, at 6-foot, 165 lbs., attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and finished the regular season with 779 yards receiving on 38 catches with 10 touchdown receptions. The All-Region 23 selection and first team MACJC pick tallied 236 yards receiving in the state championship game with three touchdown receptions. He received a three-star rating from Rivals.com. A graduate of Ocean Springs High School, Bolden also received offers from Arkansas State, Mississippi State and North Texas. Bolden oringally committed to Mississippi State, but changed his mind in the days leading up to signing day.
All three are projected to graduate from junior college this month and enroll at Southern Miss in January.
Lamar Holmes, of Gastonia, North Carolina, played the last two seasons at Itawamba Community College where he was a first team MACJC North pick during his freshman campaign. The 6-foot-6, 340-lb., offensive lineman was rated a four-star pick by Rivals.com. Holmes also received offers from Auburn, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State and Troy.
Jason Weaver, a New Orleans native and Edna Karr High School graduate, has spent the last two seasons at Western Arizona Community College in Yuma where his team finished 9-2 this season and earned a trip to the 2009 Mississippi Bowl. Slated to play at offensive tackle, Weaver is listed at 6-foot-5, 320 lbs. He received a three-star rating from Rivals.com. Weaver also received offers from Arizona, Kansas State and Miami.
Kelvin Bolden, at 6-foot, 165 lbs., attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and finished the regular season with 779 yards receiving on 38 catches with 10 touchdown receptions. The All-Region 23 selection and first team MACJC pick tallied 236 yards receiving in the state championship game with three touchdown receptions. He received a three-star rating from Rivals.com. A graduate of Ocean Springs High School, Bolden also received offers from Arkansas State, Mississippi State and North Texas. Bolden oringally committed to Mississippi State, but changed his mind in the days leading up to signing day.
All three are projected to graduate from junior college this month and enroll at Southern Miss in January.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Southern Miss Too Much For Ragin' Cajuns
With the help of poor shooting by Louisiana-Lafayette, Southern Miss beat the visiting Rajin' Cajuns 71-53 at Reed Green Coliseum. With the win, the Golden Eagles swept the season series 2-0.
The Golden Eagles were led by Josimar Ayarza's career-high 18 points. Gary Flowers also contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Southern Miss held ULL to 20-60 (33.3%) from the floor, including 4-24 (16.7%) from three point range.
USM (7-1) returns to action on December 21 against UNO in the opening round of the South Mississippi Christmas Classic in Gulfport.
Player note - LaVanne Pennington made his first appearance of the year for the Golden Eagles. In limited action in the final minutes, Pennington scored four points.
The Golden Eagles were led by Josimar Ayarza's career-high 18 points. Gary Flowers also contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Southern Miss held ULL to 20-60 (33.3%) from the floor, including 4-24 (16.7%) from three point range.
USM (7-1) returns to action on December 21 against UNO in the opening round of the South Mississippi Christmas Classic in Gulfport.
Player note - LaVanne Pennington made his first appearance of the year for the Golden Eagles. In limited action in the final minutes, Pennington scored four points.
Basketball Update
The Golden Eagles are continuing to pull away from the Rajin' Cajuns and now lead 56-38 with 7:22 remaining in the second half. Josimar Ayarza is the USM leading scorer with 16 points.
ULL is continuing to have a less than stellar night from the floor. The Ragin' Cajuns are 14-50 (28%), including 4-22 (18.2%) from three point range.
ULL is continuing to have a less than stellar night from the floor. The Ragin' Cajuns are 14-50 (28%), including 4-22 (18.2%) from three point range.
Basketball Update
The Golden Eagles are continuing to pull away from the Rajin' Cajuns and now lead 47-32 with 10:36 remaining in the second half. Josimar Ayarza is the USM leading scorer with 11 points.
Basketball Update
The Golden Eagles are starting to running away this one. USM has extended their lead to 15 points and now lead 41-26 with 15:04 remaining in the second half. Gary Flowers leads the Golden Eagles with 10 points.
Basketball Update: Halftime
With the help of poor shooting by Louisiana-Lafayette, Southern Miss has a 12 point halftime lead 29-17 at Reed Green Coliseum.
Gary Flowers is the leading scorer with 10 points.
Both teams are shooting poorly from the floor. USM is 11-35 (31.4%) and ULL is 5-30 (16.7%).
The Golden Eagles are also pounding the boards, outrebounding ULL 31-19.
Gary Flowers is the leading scorer with 10 points.
Both teams are shooting poorly from the floor. USM is 11-35 (31.4%) and ULL is 5-30 (16.7%).
The Golden Eagles are also pounding the boards, outrebounding ULL 31-19.
Basketball Update
With 3:47 remaining in the first half USM is leading ULL 22-14. Gary Flowers is the leading scorer with 10 points.
Both teams are shooting poorly from the floor. USM is 9-29 (31%) and ULL is 4-26 (15.4%). Three of the four ULL baskets were three pointers (3-14).
This USM squad likes to dunk more that previous Eustachy coached Golden Eagle teams.
Both teams are shooting poorly from the floor. USM is 9-29 (31%) and ULL is 4-26 (15.4%). Three of the four ULL baskets were three pointers (3-14).
This USM squad likes to dunk more that previous Eustachy coached Golden Eagle teams.
Basketball Update
With 7:06 remaining in the first half USM is leading ULL 16-14. Gary Flowers is the leading scorer with 8 points.
Both teams are shooting poorly from the floor. USM is 7-24 (29%) and ULL is 4-19 (21%).
Both teams are shooting poorly from the floor. USM is 7-24 (29%) and ULL is 4-19 (21%).
Basketball Update
The Golden Eagles started out slow, but have opened up a 14-8 lead over ULL with 10:33
remaining in the first half. Gary Flowers is the leading scorer with 8 points. ULL is 2-13 from the floor.
Injury Update - Johnson returned to the game after leaving the game with a injury in the early minutes of the game.
remaining in the first half. Gary Flowers is the leading scorer with 8 points. ULL is 2-13 from the floor.
Injury Update - Johnson returned to the game after leaving the game with a injury in the early minutes of the game.
Basketball Update: Golden Eagles Leading ULL
At the 15:50 mark of the first half, Southern Miss is leading Louisiana-Lafayette 6-3. Gary Flowers is responsible for all of the Golden Eagles scoring.
Injury note - Angelo Johsnon went out with an injury in the opening minutes of the game.
Injury note - Angelo Johsnon went out with an injury in the opening minutes of the game.
Golden Eagles Getting Noticed
Its been a long time since Southern Miss has been considered a candidate for the NCAA tournament. After a 6-1 start, the Golden Eagles are starting to get the attention of basketball bracketoligists. ESPN newest Bracketology has USM in the Big Dance as a 12 seed matched up against Gonzaga.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Golden Eagles Beat Jaguars On The Road
Southern Miss beat South Alabama 66-54 at the Mitchell Center in Mobile. USM was led by Gary Flowers with a game high 18 points and 11 rebounds. With the win Southern Miss snapped a three-game losing streak against the Jaguars.
USM (6-1) returns to action on December 15 against Louisiana-Lafayette at Reed Green Coliseum. Earlier in the season, the Golden Eagles beat the Rajin' Cajun's 79-72 at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette.
USM (6-1) returns to action on December 15 against Louisiana-Lafayette at Reed Green Coliseum. Earlier in the season, the Golden Eagles beat the Rajin' Cajun's 79-72 at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update: McKee Signed To Jets Active Roster
Former Golden Eagle offensive lineman Ryan McKee was signed to the New York Jets active roster.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 12/12/2009
Brett Favre (4) - Minnesota Vikings
Adalius Thomas (96) - New England Patriots
Jeremy Bridges (73) - Arizona Cardinals
Michael Boley (52) - New York Giants
Chris White (63) - Houston Texans
Chris Clark (75) - Minnesota Vikings (Practice Squad)
Demar Dotson (69) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan McKee (69) - New York Jets
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 12/12/2009
Brett Favre (4) - Minnesota Vikings
Adalius Thomas (96) - New England Patriots
Jeremy Bridges (73) - Arizona Cardinals
Michael Boley (52) - New York Giants
Chris White (63) - Houston Texans
Chris Clark (75) - Minnesota Vikings (Practice Squad)
Demar Dotson (69) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan McKee (69) - New York Jets
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Lady Eagles Fall In Charlotte, Men's Team Leading At The Half, Interesting Halftime Commentary
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles women's basketball lost to Charlotte 72-53 today in Charlotte, NC. Tanesha Washington has a career high 27 points in the loss. The Lady Eagles continue their road trip with a visit to Nashville against Belmont on December 15.
Larry Eustachy's squad is leading South Alabama 31-29 at halftime in Mobile. The Golden Eagles nailed 6 three pointers in the first half. Senior transfer Buchi Awaji leads all scores at the half with 9 points.
Former South Alabama Athletic Director Joe Gottfried mentioned that USA would like to join Conference USA after the next big conference shift led by the Big East. He mentioned Memphis' desire to move their football squad to the Big East and then move all other Tiger sports (including basketball) to the Missouri Valley Conference. According to Gottfried, the Big East will add a 9th school in the next two years.
USA radio commentators also said this is the best Southern Miss team they have seen under Eustachy.
Larry Eustachy's squad is leading South Alabama 31-29 at halftime in Mobile. The Golden Eagles nailed 6 three pointers in the first half. Senior transfer Buchi Awaji leads all scores at the half with 9 points.
Former South Alabama Athletic Director Joe Gottfried mentioned that USA would like to join Conference USA after the next big conference shift led by the Big East. He mentioned Memphis' desire to move their football squad to the Big East and then move all other Tiger sports (including basketball) to the Missouri Valley Conference. According to Gottfried, the Big East will add a 9th school in the next two years.
USA radio commentators also said this is the best Southern Miss team they have seen under Eustachy.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
C-USA Announces All-Freshmen Team
Boehme and Lampley named All-Freshmen
Conference USA announced its 2009 All-Freshman football team today, as selected by the league's 12 head football coaches. All 12 schools were represented with at least one selection. Houston and Tulsa each placed a league-high four players on the squad, while Rice, SMU and UAB had three players selected.
Headlining Houston's selections is Charles Sims, who earned one of the two running back spots. Sims has rushed for nine touchdowns and caught another, running for 632 yards and catching 64 passes for 702 yards. He is joined by a pair of Cougar defensive players in defensive lineman Zeke Riser (31 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and linebacker Phillip Steward (84 tackles). Rounding out the UH selections is kicker Matt Hogan, who has kicked 10 field goals, including the dramatic 51-yard game-winning kick at Tulsa on November 7.
Most notable among Tulsa's four selections are a pair of lineman that started nearly all season for the Golden Hurricane. True freshman Trent Dupy started 10 games at center, helping pave the way up front for the league's No. 5-ranked offense. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Cory Dorris started all 12 games, registering 55 tackles and three sacks. Wide receiver Ricky Johnson and defensive back Dexter McCoil were also recognized.
SMU's three all-freshman selections include quarterback Kyle Padron, who was 4-1 as a starter down the stretch for the Mustangs. He completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,462 yards and eight touchdowns with four interceptions. Wide receiver Darius Johnson and linebacker Taylor Reed (56 tackles) join Padron on the squad.
UAB placed one player each on offense, defense and special teams. Offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, linebacker Daniel White (43 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and long snapper Taylor Klein represent the Blazers on the freshman unit.
Rice's three freshman honorees are spearheaded by running back Charles Ross, who leads all C-USA rookies in rushing touchdowns with 11. He has run for 491 yards and also added 130 receiving yards. The Owls also placed TE Vance McDonald and DB Kevin Gaddis on the team.
Memphis (OL Jamie McCoy and DL Dontari Poe), Southern Miss (P Peter Boehme and PR Tracy Lampley), Tulane (OL Zack Morgan and LB Shakiel Smith), UCF (OL Theo Goins and DB Josh Robinson) and UTEP (DB Deshawn Grayson and KR Marlon McClure) each had two selections to the team, while defensive lineman Michael Brooks and WR Antavious Wilson represent East Carolina and Marshall, respectively.
Conference USA will announce its Freshman of the Year on Wednesday, December 9.
2009 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
OFFENSE
QB- Kyle Padron, SMU RB- Charles Sims, Houston RB- Charles Ross, Rice OL- Jamie McCoy, Memphis OL- Zack Morgan, Tulane OL- Trent Dupy, Tulsa OL- Chris Hubbard, UAB OL- Theo Goins, UCF TE- Vance McDonald, Rice WR- Antavious Wilson, Marshall WR- Darius Johnson, SMU WR- Ricky Johnson, Tulsa
DEFENSE DL- Michael Brooks, East Carolina DL- Zeke Riser, Houston DL- Dontari Poe, Memphis DL- Cory Dorris, Tulsa LB- Phillip Steward, Houston LB- Taylor Reed, SMU LB- Shakiel Smith, Tulane LB- Daniel White, UAB DB- Kevin Gaddis, Rice DB- Dexter McCoil, Tulsa DB- Josh Robinson, UCF DB- Deshawn Grayson, UTEP
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Matt Hogan, Houston P- Peter Boehme, Southern Miss KR- Marlon McClure, UTEP PR- Tracy Lampley, Southern Miss LS- Taylor Klein, UAB
Conference USA announced its 2009 All-Freshman football team today, as selected by the league's 12 head football coaches. All 12 schools were represented with at least one selection. Houston and Tulsa each placed a league-high four players on the squad, while Rice, SMU and UAB had three players selected.
Headlining Houston's selections is Charles Sims, who earned one of the two running back spots. Sims has rushed for nine touchdowns and caught another, running for 632 yards and catching 64 passes for 702 yards. He is joined by a pair of Cougar defensive players in defensive lineman Zeke Riser (31 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and linebacker Phillip Steward (84 tackles). Rounding out the UH selections is kicker Matt Hogan, who has kicked 10 field goals, including the dramatic 51-yard game-winning kick at Tulsa on November 7.
Most notable among Tulsa's four selections are a pair of lineman that started nearly all season for the Golden Hurricane. True freshman Trent Dupy started 10 games at center, helping pave the way up front for the league's No. 5-ranked offense. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Cory Dorris started all 12 games, registering 55 tackles and three sacks. Wide receiver Ricky Johnson and defensive back Dexter McCoil were also recognized.
SMU's three all-freshman selections include quarterback Kyle Padron, who was 4-1 as a starter down the stretch for the Mustangs. He completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,462 yards and eight touchdowns with four interceptions. Wide receiver Darius Johnson and linebacker Taylor Reed (56 tackles) join Padron on the squad.
UAB placed one player each on offense, defense and special teams. Offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, linebacker Daniel White (43 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and long snapper Taylor Klein represent the Blazers on the freshman unit.
Rice's three freshman honorees are spearheaded by running back Charles Ross, who leads all C-USA rookies in rushing touchdowns with 11. He has run for 491 yards and also added 130 receiving yards. The Owls also placed TE Vance McDonald and DB Kevin Gaddis on the team.
Memphis (OL Jamie McCoy and DL Dontari Poe), Southern Miss (P Peter Boehme and PR Tracy Lampley), Tulane (OL Zack Morgan and LB Shakiel Smith), UCF (OL Theo Goins and DB Josh Robinson) and UTEP (DB Deshawn Grayson and KR Marlon McClure) each had two selections to the team, while defensive lineman Michael Brooks and WR Antavious Wilson represent East Carolina and Marshall, respectively.
Conference USA will announce its Freshman of the Year on Wednesday, December 9.
2009 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
OFFENSE
QB- Kyle Padron, SMU RB- Charles Sims, Houston RB- Charles Ross, Rice OL- Jamie McCoy, Memphis OL- Zack Morgan, Tulane OL- Trent Dupy, Tulsa OL- Chris Hubbard, UAB OL- Theo Goins, UCF TE- Vance McDonald, Rice WR- Antavious Wilson, Marshall WR- Darius Johnson, SMU WR- Ricky Johnson, Tulsa
DEFENSE DL- Michael Brooks, East Carolina DL- Zeke Riser, Houston DL- Dontari Poe, Memphis DL- Cory Dorris, Tulsa LB- Phillip Steward, Houston LB- Taylor Reed, SMU LB- Shakiel Smith, Tulane LB- Daniel White, UAB DB- Kevin Gaddis, Rice DB- Dexter McCoil, Tulsa DB- Josh Robinson, UCF DB- Deshawn Grayson, UTEP
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Matt Hogan, Houston P- Peter Boehme, Southern Miss KR- Marlon McClure, UTEP PR- Tracy Lampley, Southern Miss LS- Taylor Klein, UAB
Conference USA All-Conference Selections Announced
Herbert and Hicks named to first team, 17 Golden Eagles honored
Conference USA announced its 2009 All-Conference football teams today, as selected by the league's 12 head football coaches. Eleven schools were represented with at least one overall selection, with conference champion East Carolina producing the most first team (seven) and total selections (12). Marshall and UCF had the second-highest number of first team selections (four), while Houston had the second-most overall selections (eight).
The Pirates first team selections include four starters on their defense. Defensive lineman Linval Joseph (57 tackles, 12.5 TFL's) and C.J. Wilson (56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles) are joined by defensive backs Emanuel Davis (64 tackles, 13 pass breakups) and Van Eskridge (93 tackles, six interceptions). Offensive lineman Sean Allen and punter Matt Dodge (league-high 45.8 avg.) earned first team honors, while junior Dwayne Harris was named first team as a wide receiver (79 receptions, 914 yards, six TDs) and second team as a kick returner (27.4 avg., C-USA-record three kickoff returns for touchdowns).
Marshall's four first team selections include a pair of special teams performers in kicker Craig Ratanamorn (a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award) and long snapper Sean McClellan, along with tight end Cody Slate (50 receptions, 607 yards) and linebacker Mario Harvey (105 tackles, five sacks).
Three members of UCF's league-leading defense earned spots on the squad. Included are defensive lineman Bruce Miller and Jarvis Geathers who rank among the top 10 in the nation in sacks with 12 and 11, respectively. Linebacker Cory Hogue (team-high 99 tackles, 11.5 TFL's) is also a first team selection, along with offensive lineman Jah Reid.
Houston's eight all-conference selections are led by three record-setting first team performers. Quarterback Case Keenum has set Conference USA single-season records for pass attempts (659) and completions (468), throwing for 5,449 yards (fourth-highest total in FBS history) and 43 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. Wide receiver James Cleveland had a C-USA single-game record 19 receptions in the conference championship game, giving him 101 for the season, good for 1,182 yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns. Kick returner Tyron Carrier leads the league with a 27.5 average and has set a new league single-season record with three returns for TDs.
SMU and UTEP each filled three first team spots. Two of the Mustangs spots are held by Emmanuel Sanders, who gained first team recognition as a wide receiver (91 receptions for 1,215 yards) and a punt returner (C-USA-best 15.4 avg. with one return for a TD). UTEP's selections include running back Donald Buckram, who ran for a UTEP single-season record 1,594 yards and scored a league-high 21 touchdowns. SMU also placed linebacker Chase Kennemer on first team, while UTEP had offensive lineman Mike Aguayo and defensive back Da'mon Cromartie-Smith earn spots.
Southern Miss had a pair of first team choices, while Memphis and UAB each had one. The Golden Eagles first teamers included offensive lineman Ryan Hebert and defensive back Eddie Hicks (60 tackles, five interceptions). Memphis placed running back Curtis Steele (1,239 yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 games) on the team, while UAB is represented by offensive lineman Jake Seitz, who helped pave the way for quarterback Joe Webb's record-breaking campaign.
The league's individual awards will be released on Wednesday, December 9. Conference USA will conclude the 2009 season by sending six teams to bowl games for the fourth time in five seasons.
2009 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB- Case Keenum, Jr., Houston RB- Curtis Steele, Sr., Memphis RB- Donald Buckram, Jr., UTEP OL- Sean Allen, Sr., East Carolina OL- Ryan Hebert, Sr., Southern Miss OL- Jake Seitz, Sr., UAB OL- Jah Reid, Jr., UCF OL- Mike Aguayo, Jr., UTEP TE- Cody Slate, Sr., Marshall WR- Dwayne Harris, Jr., East Carolina WR- James Cleveland, Jr., Houston WR- Emmanuel Sanders, Sr., SMU
DEFENSE DL- Linval Joseph, Jr., East Carolina DL- C.J. Wilson, Sr., East Carolina DL- Jarvis Geathers, Sr., UCF DL- Bruce Miller, Jr., UCF LB- Mario Harvey, Sr., Marshall LB- Chase Kennemer, Sr., SMU LB- Cory Hogue, Sr., UCF DB- Emmanuel Davis, So., East Carolina DB- Van Eskridge, Sr., East Carolina DB- Eddie Hicks, Sr., Southern Miss DB- Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, Sr., UTEP
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Craig Ratanamorn, Sr., Marshall P- Matt Dodge, Sr., East Carolina KR- Tyron Carrier, So., Houston PR- Emmanuel Sanders, Sr., SMU LS- Sean McClellan, Sr., Marshall
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE QB- Joe Webb, Sr., UAB RB- Darius Marshall, Jr., Marshall RB- Damion Fletcher, Sr., Southern Miss OL- Terence Campbell, Sr., East Carolina OL- Jarve Dean, Jr., Houston OL- Daniel Baldridge, Sr., Marshall OL- Scott Mitchell, Jr., Rice OL- Kelvin Beachum, So., SMU TE- Leroy Banks, Sr., Southern Miss WR-Patrick Edwards, So., Houston WR- Duke Calhoun, Sr., Memphis WR- DeAndre Brown, So., Southern Miss WR- Damaris Johnson, So., Tulsa
DEFENSE DL- Tyrell Graham, Sr., Houston DL- Albert McClellan, Sr., Marshall DL- Scott Solomon, Jr., Rice DL- Torrell Troup, Sr., UCF LB- Nick Johnson, Sr., East Carolina LB- Marcus McGraw, So., Houston LB- Korey Williams, So., Southern Miss DB- Brandon Brinkley, Sr., Houston DB- James Lockett, Sr., Tulsa DB- Hiram Atwater, Jr., UAB DB- Josh Robinson, Fr., UCF
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Ben Hartman, Sr., East Carolina P- Matt Reagan, Sr., Memphis KR- Dwayne Harris, Jr., East Carolina PR- Damaris Johnson, So., Tulsa LS- Cody Tawater, Sr., Southern Miss
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSE QB- Brett Hodges, Sr., UCF QB- Trevor Vittatoe, Jr., UTEP RB- Dominique Lindsay, Sr., ECU RB- Shawnbrey McNeal, Jr., SMU RB- Andre Anderson, Sr., Tulane RB- Charles Clay, Jr., Tulsa RB- Brynn Harvey, So., UCF OL- D.J. Scott, Jr., ECU OL- Willie Smith, Jr., ECU OL- Carl Barnett, Sr., Houston OL- Chris Thompson, So., Houston OL- Chad Schofield, Jr., Marshall OL- Dominik Riley, Jr., Memphis OL- Davon Allen, So., Rice OL- Jake Hicks, So., Rice OL- J.T. Brooks, So., SMU OL- Josh LeRibeus, So., SMU OL- Kyle Burkhart, Sr., Southern Miss OL- Cameron Zipp, Jr., Southern Miss OL- Nick Landry, Sr., Tulane OL- Andrew Nierman, Jr., Tulane OL- Matt McCants, So., UAB OL- Tanner Cullumber, Jr., UTEP OL- Rod Huntley, Jr., UTEP OL- Alex Solot, Jr., UTEP OL- Cameron Rashcke, Sr., UTEP TE- Lee Smith, Fr., Marshall TE- Charles Clay, Jr., Tulsa TE- Jeffrey Anderson, Jr., UAB WR- Tyron Carrier, So., Houston WR- Carlos Singleton, Sr., Memphis WR- Gerald Baptiste, Sr., Southern Miss WR- Jeremy Williams, Sr., Tulane WR- Jeff Moturi, Sr., UTEP
DEFENSE DL- Scotty Robinson, Sr., East Carolina DL- Jay Ross, Sr., East Carolina DL- Vinny Curry, Jr., Marshall DL- Michael Janac, Jr., Marshall DL- Cheta Ozougwu, Jr., Rice DL- Marquis Frazier, Jr., SMU DL- Margus Hunt, Fr., SMU DL- Taylor Thompson, So., SMU DL- Terrance Conner, Sr., Southern Miss DL- Anthony Gray, Jr., Southern Miss DL- Cordarro Law, So., Southern Miss DL- Adam Kwentua, Jr., Tulane DL- Cory Dorris, Fr., Tulsa DL- Wilson Garrison, Sr., Tulsa DL- Bryant Turner, Jr., UAB DL- Steve Riddick, Sr., UTEP DL- Aaron King, Sr., UTEP DL- Robert Soleyjacks, Jr., UTEP LB- Jeremy Chambliss, Sr., East Carolina LB- Youri Yenga, Jr., SMU LB- Pete Fleps, Jr., SMU LB- Ronnie Thornton, So., Southern Miss LB- Travis Burks, Sr., Tulane LB- Mike Bryan, Sr., Tulsa LB- Derrick Hallman, Jr., UCF LB- Lawrence Young, Jr., UCF DB- Levin Neal, Sr., East Carolina DB- Travis Simmons, Jr., East Carolina DB- DeQuan Bembry, So., Marshall DB- Ashton Hall, Sr., Marshall DB- Travis Bradshaw, So., Rice DB- Andrew Sendejo, Sr., Rice DB- Rock Dennis, Sr., SMU DB- Bryan McCann, Sr., SMU DB- C.J. Bailey, Jr., Southern Miss DB- Chinonso Echebelm, Sr., Tulane DB- Cornelius Brown, Sr., UTEP DB- Braxton Amy, Jr., UTEP DB- Clarence Ward, Sr., UTEP
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Matt Reagan, Sr., Memphis K- Matt Syzmanski, Jr., SMU K- Kevin Fitzpatrick, So., Tulsa P- Michael Such, Jr., Tulsa P- Greg Hiett, Sr., UTEP KR- Bryce McCann, Sr., SMU KR- Freddie Parham, Sr., Southern Miss KR- Damaris Johnson, So., Tulsa PR- Tracy Lampley, Fr., Southern Miss PR- Jeff Moturi, Sr., UTEP LS- William Smith, So., East Carolina LS- Keenan Bratcher, Jr., Memphis LS- Charley Hughlett, So., UCF
Conference USA announced its 2009 All-Conference football teams today, as selected by the league's 12 head football coaches. Eleven schools were represented with at least one overall selection, with conference champion East Carolina producing the most first team (seven) and total selections (12). Marshall and UCF had the second-highest number of first team selections (four), while Houston had the second-most overall selections (eight).
The Pirates first team selections include four starters on their defense. Defensive lineman Linval Joseph (57 tackles, 12.5 TFL's) and C.J. Wilson (56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles) are joined by defensive backs Emanuel Davis (64 tackles, 13 pass breakups) and Van Eskridge (93 tackles, six interceptions). Offensive lineman Sean Allen and punter Matt Dodge (league-high 45.8 avg.) earned first team honors, while junior Dwayne Harris was named first team as a wide receiver (79 receptions, 914 yards, six TDs) and second team as a kick returner (27.4 avg., C-USA-record three kickoff returns for touchdowns).
Marshall's four first team selections include a pair of special teams performers in kicker Craig Ratanamorn (a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award) and long snapper Sean McClellan, along with tight end Cody Slate (50 receptions, 607 yards) and linebacker Mario Harvey (105 tackles, five sacks).
Three members of UCF's league-leading defense earned spots on the squad. Included are defensive lineman Bruce Miller and Jarvis Geathers who rank among the top 10 in the nation in sacks with 12 and 11, respectively. Linebacker Cory Hogue (team-high 99 tackles, 11.5 TFL's) is also a first team selection, along with offensive lineman Jah Reid.
Houston's eight all-conference selections are led by three record-setting first team performers. Quarterback Case Keenum has set Conference USA single-season records for pass attempts (659) and completions (468), throwing for 5,449 yards (fourth-highest total in FBS history) and 43 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. Wide receiver James Cleveland had a C-USA single-game record 19 receptions in the conference championship game, giving him 101 for the season, good for 1,182 yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns. Kick returner Tyron Carrier leads the league with a 27.5 average and has set a new league single-season record with three returns for TDs.
SMU and UTEP each filled three first team spots. Two of the Mustangs spots are held by Emmanuel Sanders, who gained first team recognition as a wide receiver (91 receptions for 1,215 yards) and a punt returner (C-USA-best 15.4 avg. with one return for a TD). UTEP's selections include running back Donald Buckram, who ran for a UTEP single-season record 1,594 yards and scored a league-high 21 touchdowns. SMU also placed linebacker Chase Kennemer on first team, while UTEP had offensive lineman Mike Aguayo and defensive back Da'mon Cromartie-Smith earn spots.
Southern Miss had a pair of first team choices, while Memphis and UAB each had one. The Golden Eagles first teamers included offensive lineman Ryan Hebert and defensive back Eddie Hicks (60 tackles, five interceptions). Memphis placed running back Curtis Steele (1,239 yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 games) on the team, while UAB is represented by offensive lineman Jake Seitz, who helped pave the way for quarterback Joe Webb's record-breaking campaign.
The league's individual awards will be released on Wednesday, December 9. Conference USA will conclude the 2009 season by sending six teams to bowl games for the fourth time in five seasons.
2009 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB- Case Keenum, Jr., Houston RB- Curtis Steele, Sr., Memphis RB- Donald Buckram, Jr., UTEP OL- Sean Allen, Sr., East Carolina OL- Ryan Hebert, Sr., Southern Miss OL- Jake Seitz, Sr., UAB OL- Jah Reid, Jr., UCF OL- Mike Aguayo, Jr., UTEP TE- Cody Slate, Sr., Marshall WR- Dwayne Harris, Jr., East Carolina WR- James Cleveland, Jr., Houston WR- Emmanuel Sanders, Sr., SMU
DEFENSE DL- Linval Joseph, Jr., East Carolina DL- C.J. Wilson, Sr., East Carolina DL- Jarvis Geathers, Sr., UCF DL- Bruce Miller, Jr., UCF LB- Mario Harvey, Sr., Marshall LB- Chase Kennemer, Sr., SMU LB- Cory Hogue, Sr., UCF DB- Emmanuel Davis, So., East Carolina DB- Van Eskridge, Sr., East Carolina DB- Eddie Hicks, Sr., Southern Miss DB- Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, Sr., UTEP
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Craig Ratanamorn, Sr., Marshall P- Matt Dodge, Sr., East Carolina KR- Tyron Carrier, So., Houston PR- Emmanuel Sanders, Sr., SMU LS- Sean McClellan, Sr., Marshall
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE QB- Joe Webb, Sr., UAB RB- Darius Marshall, Jr., Marshall RB- Damion Fletcher, Sr., Southern Miss OL- Terence Campbell, Sr., East Carolina OL- Jarve Dean, Jr., Houston OL- Daniel Baldridge, Sr., Marshall OL- Scott Mitchell, Jr., Rice OL- Kelvin Beachum, So., SMU TE- Leroy Banks, Sr., Southern Miss WR-Patrick Edwards, So., Houston WR- Duke Calhoun, Sr., Memphis WR- DeAndre Brown, So., Southern Miss WR- Damaris Johnson, So., Tulsa
DEFENSE DL- Tyrell Graham, Sr., Houston DL- Albert McClellan, Sr., Marshall DL- Scott Solomon, Jr., Rice DL- Torrell Troup, Sr., UCF LB- Nick Johnson, Sr., East Carolina LB- Marcus McGraw, So., Houston LB- Korey Williams, So., Southern Miss DB- Brandon Brinkley, Sr., Houston DB- James Lockett, Sr., Tulsa DB- Hiram Atwater, Jr., UAB DB- Josh Robinson, Fr., UCF
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Ben Hartman, Sr., East Carolina P- Matt Reagan, Sr., Memphis KR- Dwayne Harris, Jr., East Carolina PR- Damaris Johnson, So., Tulsa LS- Cody Tawater, Sr., Southern Miss
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSE QB- Brett Hodges, Sr., UCF QB- Trevor Vittatoe, Jr., UTEP RB- Dominique Lindsay, Sr., ECU RB- Shawnbrey McNeal, Jr., SMU RB- Andre Anderson, Sr., Tulane RB- Charles Clay, Jr., Tulsa RB- Brynn Harvey, So., UCF OL- D.J. Scott, Jr., ECU OL- Willie Smith, Jr., ECU OL- Carl Barnett, Sr., Houston OL- Chris Thompson, So., Houston OL- Chad Schofield, Jr., Marshall OL- Dominik Riley, Jr., Memphis OL- Davon Allen, So., Rice OL- Jake Hicks, So., Rice OL- J.T. Brooks, So., SMU OL- Josh LeRibeus, So., SMU OL- Kyle Burkhart, Sr., Southern Miss OL- Cameron Zipp, Jr., Southern Miss OL- Nick Landry, Sr., Tulane OL- Andrew Nierman, Jr., Tulane OL- Matt McCants, So., UAB OL- Tanner Cullumber, Jr., UTEP OL- Rod Huntley, Jr., UTEP OL- Alex Solot, Jr., UTEP OL- Cameron Rashcke, Sr., UTEP TE- Lee Smith, Fr., Marshall TE- Charles Clay, Jr., Tulsa TE- Jeffrey Anderson, Jr., UAB WR- Tyron Carrier, So., Houston WR- Carlos Singleton, Sr., Memphis WR- Gerald Baptiste, Sr., Southern Miss WR- Jeremy Williams, Sr., Tulane WR- Jeff Moturi, Sr., UTEP
DEFENSE DL- Scotty Robinson, Sr., East Carolina DL- Jay Ross, Sr., East Carolina DL- Vinny Curry, Jr., Marshall DL- Michael Janac, Jr., Marshall DL- Cheta Ozougwu, Jr., Rice DL- Marquis Frazier, Jr., SMU DL- Margus Hunt, Fr., SMU DL- Taylor Thompson, So., SMU DL- Terrance Conner, Sr., Southern Miss DL- Anthony Gray, Jr., Southern Miss DL- Cordarro Law, So., Southern Miss DL- Adam Kwentua, Jr., Tulane DL- Cory Dorris, Fr., Tulsa DL- Wilson Garrison, Sr., Tulsa DL- Bryant Turner, Jr., UAB DL- Steve Riddick, Sr., UTEP DL- Aaron King, Sr., UTEP DL- Robert Soleyjacks, Jr., UTEP LB- Jeremy Chambliss, Sr., East Carolina LB- Youri Yenga, Jr., SMU LB- Pete Fleps, Jr., SMU LB- Ronnie Thornton, So., Southern Miss LB- Travis Burks, Sr., Tulane LB- Mike Bryan, Sr., Tulsa LB- Derrick Hallman, Jr., UCF LB- Lawrence Young, Jr., UCF DB- Levin Neal, Sr., East Carolina DB- Travis Simmons, Jr., East Carolina DB- DeQuan Bembry, So., Marshall DB- Ashton Hall, Sr., Marshall DB- Travis Bradshaw, So., Rice DB- Andrew Sendejo, Sr., Rice DB- Rock Dennis, Sr., SMU DB- Bryan McCann, Sr., SMU DB- C.J. Bailey, Jr., Southern Miss DB- Chinonso Echebelm, Sr., Tulane DB- Cornelius Brown, Sr., UTEP DB- Braxton Amy, Jr., UTEP DB- Clarence Ward, Sr., UTEP
SPECIAL TEAMS K- Matt Reagan, Sr., Memphis K- Matt Syzmanski, Jr., SMU K- Kevin Fitzpatrick, So., Tulsa P- Michael Such, Jr., Tulsa P- Greg Hiett, Sr., UTEP KR- Bryce McCann, Sr., SMU KR- Freddie Parham, Sr., Southern Miss KR- Damaris Johnson, So., Tulsa PR- Tracy Lampley, Fr., Southern Miss PR- Jeff Moturi, Sr., UTEP LS- William Smith, So., East Carolina LS- Keenan Bratcher, Jr., Memphis LS- Charley Hughlett, So., UCF
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections - Update - Final*
Final Conference USA affiliated bowl projections.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
December 26th, Detroit MI, 4 pm, ESPN
Big Ten No. 7 vs. MAC
Marshall** vs Ohio
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: UCLA*** vs. Temple
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Houston
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Missouri vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
** Big 10 will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
*** UCLA will be in the EagleBank Bowl if Army loses Saturday's game against Navy. Navy is expected to win the game.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
December 26th, Detroit MI, 4 pm, ESPN
Big Ten No. 7 vs. MAC
Marshall** vs Ohio
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: UCLA*** vs. Temple
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Houston
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Missouri vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
** Big 10 will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
*** UCLA will be in the EagleBank Bowl if Army loses Saturday's game against Navy. Navy is expected to win the game.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
Southern Miss Returns To New Orleans Bowl
Southern Miss will take on the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Sunday, December 20 at 7pm in the Louisiana Superdome. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN.
With the selection of MTSU, bowl officials eliminated the chance of a rematch of last year's game between USM and Troy. Bowl officials worked with the Sun Belt Conference and made arrangements for Troy, the Sunbelt champion to go to the GMAC Bowl to face MAC champion Central Michigan.
The Blue Raiders (9-3) finished second in the Sun Belt. Their three loses were to quality opponents (Clemson, Mississippi State and Troy). Middle Tennessee led by quarterback Dwight Dasher, who is ninth nationally in total offense averaging 298.3 yards per game. This will be the Blue Raiders first bowl appearance since the 2006 Motor City Bowl.
The Golden Eagles will be making its second consecutive appearance in the New Orleans Bowl and has a 3-0 record in the game.
This will be a great matchup between two good football teams. Dasher is similar to UAB's Joe Webb. For those who don't remember, Webb gave the USM defense fits earlier this season in UAB's victory over the Golden Eagles.
This is an easy trip for a large majority Golden Eagle fans, so there only a few acceptable excuses not to be at the game. Take advantage of the great restaurants, seasonal hotel deals and the entertainment New Orleans has to offer. Smart fans will come in a day early and checkout the Saints play the Cowboys on Saturday night (December 19). Get tickets to the bowl game or the Saints/Cowboys game here.
With the selection of MTSU, bowl officials eliminated the chance of a rematch of last year's game between USM and Troy. Bowl officials worked with the Sun Belt Conference and made arrangements for Troy, the Sunbelt champion to go to the GMAC Bowl to face MAC champion Central Michigan.
The Blue Raiders (9-3) finished second in the Sun Belt. Their three loses were to quality opponents (Clemson, Mississippi State and Troy). Middle Tennessee led by quarterback Dwight Dasher, who is ninth nationally in total offense averaging 298.3 yards per game. This will be the Blue Raiders first bowl appearance since the 2006 Motor City Bowl.
The Golden Eagles will be making its second consecutive appearance in the New Orleans Bowl and has a 3-0 record in the game.
This will be a great matchup between two good football teams. Dasher is similar to UAB's Joe Webb. For those who don't remember, Webb gave the USM defense fits earlier this season in UAB's victory over the Golden Eagles.
This is an easy trip for a large majority Golden Eagle fans, so there only a few acceptable excuses not to be at the game. Take advantage of the great restaurants, seasonal hotel deals and the entertainment New Orleans has to offer. Smart fans will come in a day early and checkout the Saints play the Cowboys on Saturday night (December 19). Get tickets to the bowl game or the Saints/Cowboys game here.
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections - Update
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of December 7, 2009. Final bowl assignments will be announced later this evening.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
December 26th, Detroit MI, 4 pm, ESPN
Big Ten No. 7 vs. MAC
Marshall** vs Ohio
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: UCLA* vs. Temple
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Houston
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Missouri vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
** Big 10 will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
December 26th, Detroit MI, 4 pm, ESPN
Big Ten No. 7 vs. MAC
Marshall** vs Ohio
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: UCLA* vs. Temple
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Houston
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Missouri vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
** Big 10 will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
Lady Eagles Win, Men Fall Rebels, Going To New Orleans?
The Lady Eagles got back in the winning column Friday night with a victory over visiting Alcorn State 69-53 at Reed Green Coliseum Friday night. Once again, Southern Miss was led by Pauline Love. Love recorded a double-double scoring 18 points and snagging 16 rebounds. The Lady Eagles (4-4) return to action on December 12 at Charlotte.
Larry Eustachy's team suffered a heart breaking loss to Ole Miss Saturday afternoon in Oxford. With the game tied at 79 with 40 seconds remaining, the Golden Eagles tried to hold the ball for the last shot, but the Rebels gained control with five seconds remaining and scored the game winning basket (a dunk) with one second on the clock. The Golden Eagles were led by Gary Flowers, who scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards. A tough loss is not the way Eustachy wanted to go into finals week. It will be interesting to see the team's mental toughness as they rebound from the game in Oxford. USM (5-1) returns to action on December 12 at South Alabama.
With Houston accepting a bid to the Armed Forces Bowl, it looks like Southern Miss will be returning to the New Orleans Bowl. Sun Belt Champion Troy was originally thought to be headed to the Bowl, but there has been speculation that New Orleans Bowl officials would like avoid a rematch of last year's game between the Golden Eagles and Trojans (a Southern Miss win). If Troy does not get the offer, Middle Tennessee State will represent the Sun Belt Conference. An official announcement is expected later this evening.
Larry Eustachy's team suffered a heart breaking loss to Ole Miss Saturday afternoon in Oxford. With the game tied at 79 with 40 seconds remaining, the Golden Eagles tried to hold the ball for the last shot, but the Rebels gained control with five seconds remaining and scored the game winning basket (a dunk) with one second on the clock. The Golden Eagles were led by Gary Flowers, who scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards. A tough loss is not the way Eustachy wanted to go into finals week. It will be interesting to see the team's mental toughness as they rebound from the game in Oxford. USM (5-1) returns to action on December 12 at South Alabama.
With Houston accepting a bid to the Armed Forces Bowl, it looks like Southern Miss will be returning to the New Orleans Bowl. Sun Belt Champion Troy was originally thought to be headed to the Bowl, but there has been speculation that New Orleans Bowl officials would like avoid a rematch of last year's game between the Golden Eagles and Trojans (a Southern Miss win). If Troy does not get the offer, Middle Tennessee State will represent the Sun Belt Conference. An official announcement is expected later this evening.
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections - Update
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of December 7, 2009. Final bowl assignments will be announced later this evening.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. Marshall
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Houston
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Missouri vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. Marshall
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Houston
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Missouri vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Johnson Earns Honor, Lady Eagles Fall To State, Softball Schedule Announced, Bowling?
Southern Miss freshman Danielle Johnson was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week for her on the court performance.
Johnson, a 6-0, guard, finished the week averaging 9.7 points and 2.3 rebounds. She scored a season-high 17 points against Jackson State on 6-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 from behind the arc. Johnson followed with a 12-point scoring performance against nationally ranked Georgia, connecting on 4-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. She also handed out seven assists and shot 46.7 percent from three-point range.
Johnson and the Lady Eagles hit the road to take on Mississippi State Wednesday night in Starkville, Mississippi. The Bulldogs capitalized on 27 Golden Eagle turnovers to beat Southern Miss 85-52. Pauline Love led the Lady Eagles with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Now 3-4, the Lady Eagles next face Alcorn State at Reed Green Coliseum on Friday night.
Southern Miss Head Softball Coach Howard Dobson released the 2010 schedule earlier this week. The schedule features six teams that reached post-season play in 2009 (Arkansas, Mississippi State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Notre Dame, Florida State and Tulsa). The Golden Eagles open up the season on the road at Florida State in opening round of the Florida State Tournament on February 11. Their first home game will be against Alcorn State in the Southern Miss Mizuno Classic on February 20.
Coming off a 25-20 loss to East Carolina, Larry Fedora and the Golden Eagle football team is now focued on the recruiting and post-season play. Southern Miss will be in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl or the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Where the Golden Eagles wind up will depend on the outcome of the Conference USA Championship game this weekend. If East Carolina wins, USM will most likely play in the New Orleans Bowl against a Sun Belt representative believed to be Middle Tennessee State. If Houston wins, the Golden Eagles will head to Ft. Worth to take on a Mountain West opponent (Air Force).
Johnson, a 6-0, guard, finished the week averaging 9.7 points and 2.3 rebounds. She scored a season-high 17 points against Jackson State on 6-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 from behind the arc. Johnson followed with a 12-point scoring performance against nationally ranked Georgia, connecting on 4-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. She also handed out seven assists and shot 46.7 percent from three-point range.
Johnson and the Lady Eagles hit the road to take on Mississippi State Wednesday night in Starkville, Mississippi. The Bulldogs capitalized on 27 Golden Eagle turnovers to beat Southern Miss 85-52. Pauline Love led the Lady Eagles with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Now 3-4, the Lady Eagles next face Alcorn State at Reed Green Coliseum on Friday night.
Southern Miss Head Softball Coach Howard Dobson released the 2010 schedule earlier this week. The schedule features six teams that reached post-season play in 2009 (Arkansas, Mississippi State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Notre Dame, Florida State and Tulsa). The Golden Eagles open up the season on the road at Florida State in opening round of the Florida State Tournament on February 11. Their first home game will be against Alcorn State in the Southern Miss Mizuno Classic on February 20.
Coming off a 25-20 loss to East Carolina, Larry Fedora and the Golden Eagle football team is now focued on the recruiting and post-season play. Southern Miss will be in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl or the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Where the Golden Eagles wind up will depend on the outcome of the Conference USA Championship game this weekend. If East Carolina wins, USM will most likely play in the New Orleans Bowl against a Sun Belt representative believed to be Middle Tennessee State. If Houston wins, the Golden Eagles will head to Ft. Worth to take on a Mountain West opponent (Air Force).
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of November 30, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Marshall vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. East Carolina
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Southern Miss
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Marshall vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 29, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. East Carolina
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Southern Miss
Texas Bowl
December 31, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Arkansas
*ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Teams in bold have accepted a bowl bid.