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.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Basketball Update: Men Perfect On The Week, Lady Eagles Lose To Ranked Bulldogs
Larry Eustachy's club scored two victories during the week to improve their record to 5-0. The Golden Eagles beat William Carey 74-57 on Tuesday and Spring Hill 90-57 on Saturday. Both visiting squads are NAIA schools. Southern Miss will continue non-conference play on the road on December 5 against Ole Miss in Oxford.
Through five games, Maurice Bolden leads the team with 16.4 points per game and is tied with Gary Flowers with 7.6 rebounds per game.
After beating NAIA opponent William Carey earlier in the week, the Lady Eagles split two contests in the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic. On Friday night, Southern Miss beat in-state foe Jackson State 89-62. In the champion game of the classic, the Lady Eagles lost to #14 Georgia 84-55. Joye Lee-McNelis' squad is 3-3 on the season. They next play December 2 against Mississippi State in Starkville.
Through six games, Pauline Love leads the team with 18.7 points per game and 13.7 rebounds per game.
Through five games, Maurice Bolden leads the team with 16.4 points per game and is tied with Gary Flowers with 7.6 rebounds per game.
After beating NAIA opponent William Carey earlier in the week, the Lady Eagles split two contests in the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic. On Friday night, Southern Miss beat in-state foe Jackson State 89-62. In the champion game of the classic, the Lady Eagles lost to #14 Georgia 84-55. Joye Lee-McNelis' squad is 3-3 on the season. They next play December 2 against Mississippi State in Starkville.
Through six games, Pauline Love leads the team with 18.7 points per game and 13.7 rebounds per game.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of November 23, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Southern Miss
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: Bowling Green* vs. Central Florida
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: Texas A&M 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.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Southern Miss
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: Bowling Green* vs. Central Florida
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: Texas A&M 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.
Women's Basketball Update: Lady Eagles Blowout Crusaders
Sparked by a 26 point and 24 rebound game from Pauline Love, Southern Miss beat the visiting William Carey Crusaders 81-55 tonight at Reed Green Coliseum. The Lady Eagles, who never trailed in the game, held William Carey to 30% shooting from the field and forced 23 turnovers.
The Lady Eagles return to "The Green House" Friday evening at 5pm in the opening game of the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic against Jackson State. Game two will feature Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs Georgia.
The Lady Eagles return to "The Green House" Friday evening at 5pm in the opening game of the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic against Jackson State. Game two will feature Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs Georgia.
Women's Basketball Update: Lady Eagles Lead At Halftime
The Lady Eagles are up 39-25 over the visiting William Carey Crusaders.
Pauline Love goes into the break with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Pauline Love goes into the break with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Quick Hits: Golden Eagles Win 3rd In A Row, Tulsa Falls, Young Receives Honor
After being down 51-38 midway through the second half, Southern Miss rallied to beat the Montana State Bobcats 66-62 Saturday night at Worthington Arena in Bozeman, Montana. Gary Flowers led the Golden Eagles with a game-high 18 points. Southern Miss (3-0) returns to Hattiesburg to face William Carey Tuesday night at Reed Green Coliseum.
In a game filled with rain, big plays and a weather delay, Southern Miss proved to be too much for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Saturday night at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The Golden Eagles prevailed 44-34.
Martavious Young, once again, managed the team well. Young threw four touchdown passes, including a 95 yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Brown. Brown finished with two touchdowns on the night.
The defense gave up too many yards, but did have big plays including two fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown.
USM travels to Greenville, North Carolina this weekend to take on the East Carolina Pirates for the Conference USA Eastern Division crown. ECU brings a big, fast and physical squad to the field that should be a tough matchup for Southern Miss. Even though this is a road contest, Southern Miss has fared very well at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. USM will need to step their defensive play if they have any hope of winning the contest. The game will come down to who wants it more and that should be the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss edges out a close one, 21-17.
The game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports at 12:30pm. The winner will most likely face Houston in the Conference USA championship game Dec 5.
After his stellar performance in the Tulsa game, Martavious Young has been named the C-USA Co-Offensive Player of the Week.Young recorded 276 passing yards (12-of-21) and added 59 rushing yards in leading the Golden Eagles to their fourth win in his six starts, 44-34 over Tulsa. He threw a career-best four touchdown passes, including a 95-yard strike to DeAndre Brown, which is listed as the second-longest pass play in school history. He also hit Johdrick Morris for a 60-yard TD strike on the Golden Eagles' first play of the contest and added 12-yard and 34-yard TD passes. It was the fourth-straight game that he has not thrown an interception and he has not thrown a pick in his last 112 attempts.
In a game filled with rain, big plays and a weather delay, Southern Miss proved to be too much for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Saturday night at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The Golden Eagles prevailed 44-34.
Martavious Young, once again, managed the team well. Young threw four touchdown passes, including a 95 yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Brown. Brown finished with two touchdowns on the night.
The defense gave up too many yards, but did have big plays including two fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown.
USM travels to Greenville, North Carolina this weekend to take on the East Carolina Pirates for the Conference USA Eastern Division crown. ECU brings a big, fast and physical squad to the field that should be a tough matchup for Southern Miss. Even though this is a road contest, Southern Miss has fared very well at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. USM will need to step their defensive play if they have any hope of winning the contest. The game will come down to who wants it more and that should be the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss edges out a close one, 21-17.
The game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports at 12:30pm. The winner will most likely face Houston in the Conference USA championship game Dec 5.
After his stellar performance in the Tulsa game, Martavious Young has been named the C-USA Co-Offensive Player of the Week.Young recorded 276 passing yards (12-of-21) and added 59 rushing yards in leading the Golden Eagles to their fourth win in his six starts, 44-34 over Tulsa. He threw a career-best four touchdown passes, including a 95-yard strike to DeAndre Brown, which is listed as the second-longest pass play in school history. He also hit Johdrick Morris for a 60-yard TD strike on the Golden Eagles' first play of the contest and added 12-yard and 34-yard TD passes. It was the fourth-straight game that he has not thrown an interception and he has not thrown a pick in his last 112 attempts.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Volleyball Falls Short In Tournament Play
In their first Conference USA Volleyball Tournament semifinal appearance, top-seeded Southern Miss lost to the host and #4 seed Rice Owls 3-1 (25-16, 16-25, 25-14, 25-13). The Golden Eagles finish the season 27-5.
Rice will now advance to the championship game tomorrow against Tulsa. The match can be viewed nationally on CBS College Sports.
Rice will now advance to the championship game tomorrow against Tulsa. The match can be viewed nationally on CBS College Sports.
Volleyball Update: Owls Take Game 3, Lead Match 2-1
The Rice Owls took game three of the best of five series 25-14 and now lead the match 2-1. Game four will be starting shortly.
Volleyball Update: Golden Eagles Win Game 2, Match Tied 1-1
After dropping the first game to Rice, Southern Miss rebounded and took game two 25-16. The best of five match is tied 1-1.
The winner of the match will play Tulsa in tomorrow's championship game.
The winner of the match will play Tulsa in tomorrow's championship game.
Volleyball Update
The top-seeded Southern Miss volleyball team dropped game one of the best of five match against the host Rice Owls 25-16. The Golden Eagles are leading game two 21-14.
Lady Eagles Fall To Wolverines, Volleyball Advances In Tournament Play
The Lady Eagles basketball team has their first streak of the season. Unfortunately, it is a losing streak. The Michigan Wolverines blew out Southern Miss 91-54 Thursday night at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Poor shooting (34%) and turnovers (27) led to a long night for the Lady Eagles. Joye Lee-McNelis hopes to right the ship when Southern Miss (1-2) returns to action Monday night at home against William Carey.
The Southern Miss volleyball team beat Houston 3-1 Friday night to advance to the semifinals of the Conference USA Volleyball Championship at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas. This is the first time the Golden Eagles have advance to the C-USA semifinals and only the second time in the history pf the program. Southern Miss volleyball previously reached the Metro Conference semifinals in the 1985. The top-seeded Golden Eagles play #4 seed and tournament host Rice Saturday at 4pm. The winner advances to the championship game Sunday afternoon at 1pm. The championship match will be broadcast nationally by CBS College Sports.
The Southern Miss volleyball team beat Houston 3-1 Friday night to advance to the semifinals of the Conference USA Volleyball Championship at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas. This is the first time the Golden Eagles have advance to the C-USA semifinals and only the second time in the history pf the program. Southern Miss volleyball previously reached the Metro Conference semifinals in the 1985. The top-seeded Golden Eagles play #4 seed and tournament host Rice Saturday at 4pm. The winner advances to the championship game Sunday afternoon at 1pm. The championship match will be broadcast nationally by CBS College Sports.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Quick Hits: Battle of the D. Browns, Eustachy's Starters, Volleyball Honors
One of the more interesting matchups this weekend will be Southern Miss receiver DeAndre Brown against Tulsa defensive back DeAundre Brown. Both are sophomores that were members of the Conference USA All-Freshman team last year and they both wear number 5. Should be fun to watch.
Through two games this year, coach Larry Eustachy's starting line up has several new faces. Eustachy, who is rumored to be on a very hot seat, did a nice job bringing in impact players who could start immediately. The most impressive being guard Maurice Bolden, a 6'10" redshirt junior. The only returning starter from last year to get the same nod this year is guard R.L. Horton. Returning players Andre Stephen, Sai'Quon Stone and Gustavo Lino, who all started at various times last season, are all coming off the bench. Only Stone has seen action in both games this year. Lino has yet to play.
Southern Miss snagged a few Conference USA post-season volleyball honors today. After leading his team to the C-USA regular season title, Golden Eagles head coach Ricci Luyties was unanimously voted C-USA Coach of the Year. Luyties guided the Golden Eagles to a 14-2 C-USA record and a 26-4 overall mark.
Sophomore Kelsea Seymour was named Co-Setter of the Year. She guided USM to its first C-USA title and finished fourth in assists per set (10.60). She ended the regular season with 19 double-doubles, second most in the league, and dished out a season-high 60 assists twice (vs. UCF and Rice). Those 60 assists account for two of the top five single-match best for a league match this year. She shared the award with Rice's Meredith Schamun.
In addition to the specialty awards, Angela Hlavaty, Ashley Mell and Seymour were named first team all-conference. Maia Ivanova was placed on the second team.
Let's hope Richard Giannini can keep Luyties in Hattiesburg. The last successful volleyball coach at USM (Santiago Restrepo) was lured away after having an incredible season in 2003.
Through two games this year, coach Larry Eustachy's starting line up has several new faces. Eustachy, who is rumored to be on a very hot seat, did a nice job bringing in impact players who could start immediately. The most impressive being guard Maurice Bolden, a 6'10" redshirt junior. The only returning starter from last year to get the same nod this year is guard R.L. Horton. Returning players Andre Stephen, Sai'Quon Stone and Gustavo Lino, who all started at various times last season, are all coming off the bench. Only Stone has seen action in both games this year. Lino has yet to play.
Southern Miss snagged a few Conference USA post-season volleyball honors today. After leading his team to the C-USA regular season title, Golden Eagles head coach Ricci Luyties was unanimously voted C-USA Coach of the Year. Luyties guided the Golden Eagles to a 14-2 C-USA record and a 26-4 overall mark.
Sophomore Kelsea Seymour was named Co-Setter of the Year. She guided USM to its first C-USA title and finished fourth in assists per set (10.60). She ended the regular season with 19 double-doubles, second most in the league, and dished out a season-high 60 assists twice (vs. UCF and Rice). Those 60 assists account for two of the top five single-match best for a league match this year. She shared the award with Rice's Meredith Schamun.
In addition to the specialty awards, Angela Hlavaty, Ashley Mell and Seymour were named first team all-conference. Maia Ivanova was placed on the second team.
Let's hope Richard Giannini can keep Luyties in Hattiesburg. The last successful volleyball coach at USM (Santiago Restrepo) was lured away after having an incredible season in 2003.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Baseball Signs Two Additional Preps Standouts
The Southern Miss baseball program added two additional players for the 2011 class.
Boomer Scarborough, from Pass Christian, Mississippi, is a two-time class 4A all-state selection out of St. Stanislaus High School as a right-handed pitcher and first-baseman. As a junior last season, he hit .451 with nine home runs and 29 RBI and was 8-2 with a 0.92 ERA and 100 strikeouts on the mound. In his sophomore campaign he was 6-2 on the bump with a 1.24 ERA and 69 strikeouts. On the mound the six-foot-two, 235 pound Scarborough can touch the low 90's with a hard curveball. He is also a middle linebacker for the St. Stanislaus football team which will play in the third round of the state playoff this week.
Michael Sterling, from Meridian, Mississippi, is a 5A all-division player for Meridian High School who hit .360 last season as a junior. The five-foot-eleven, 165 pound infielder plays second base, shortstop and third base in high school but projects to play shortstop at Southern Miss.
The signing of Scarborough and Sterling now gives Southern Miss six signees in the early signing period. The other four are junior college players Ashley Graeter (INF/RHP - Pearl River Community College) and Matt Shaw (RHP -Northwest Mississippi Community College) along with prep athletes Joe Martin (OF - Zachary High School, Zachary, Louisiana) and a Josh Rogers (LHP- Hillcrest Christian, Jackson, Mississippi).
Boomer Scarborough, from Pass Christian, Mississippi, is a two-time class 4A all-state selection out of St. Stanislaus High School as a right-handed pitcher and first-baseman. As a junior last season, he hit .451 with nine home runs and 29 RBI and was 8-2 with a 0.92 ERA and 100 strikeouts on the mound. In his sophomore campaign he was 6-2 on the bump with a 1.24 ERA and 69 strikeouts. On the mound the six-foot-two, 235 pound Scarborough can touch the low 90's with a hard curveball. He is also a middle linebacker for the St. Stanislaus football team which will play in the third round of the state playoff this week.
Michael Sterling, from Meridian, Mississippi, is a 5A all-division player for Meridian High School who hit .360 last season as a junior. The five-foot-eleven, 165 pound infielder plays second base, shortstop and third base in high school but projects to play shortstop at Southern Miss.
The signing of Scarborough and Sterling now gives Southern Miss six signees in the early signing period. The other four are junior college players Ashley Graeter (INF/RHP - Pearl River Community College) and Matt Shaw (RHP -Northwest Mississippi Community College) along with prep athletes Joe Martin (OF - Zachary High School, Zachary, Louisiana) and a Josh Rogers (LHP- Hillcrest Christian, Jackson, Mississippi).
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Lady Eagles Ink Another Player In Early Signing Period
Southern Miss coach Joye Lee-McNelis announced the signing of Tiara George to a basketball scholarship.
George, a 6-1 forward, averaged 11.0 points and 7.6 rebounds and two blocks for Coach Bryon Coleman at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas last season, helping her team to a 23-8 record and an appearance in the Region XIV Tournament. She earned Region XIV Freshman of the Year honors as she led Angelina in scoring and rebounding.
George played at Glen Oaks High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she averaged 16.2 points and 11.5 rebounds as a senior for Coach Harold Boudreaux. She was named first team all-state, a four-time first team all-district selection, while earning district Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008 and 2007.
George, a 6-1 forward, averaged 11.0 points and 7.6 rebounds and two blocks for Coach Bryon Coleman at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas last season, helping her team to a 23-8 record and an appearance in the Region XIV Tournament. She earned Region XIV Freshman of the Year honors as she led Angelina in scoring and rebounding.
George played at Glen Oaks High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she averaged 16.2 points and 11.5 rebounds as a senior for Coach Harold Boudreaux. She was named first team all-state, a four-time first team all-district selection, while earning district Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008 and 2007.
Golden Eagles Gets By Wolfpack
With 29 points and 11 rebounds from Maurice Bolden, Southern Miss proved to be too much for Loyola New Orleans with a 73-62 victory at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The Golden Eagles went into halftime leading 42-35, behind 23 first half points from Bolden.
Loyola (3-0), an NAIA school, considered the contest to be an exhibition game.
Southern Miss (2-0) hits the road to take on Montana State on Saturday.
Side note for John Cox, Southern Miss played Loyola (pronounced like toy-ola) tonight, not LIE-ola.
The Golden Eagles went into halftime leading 42-35, behind 23 first half points from Bolden.
Loyola (3-0), an NAIA school, considered the contest to be an exhibition game.
Southern Miss (2-0) hits the road to take on Montana State on Saturday.
Side note for John Cox, Southern Miss played Loyola (pronounced like toy-ola) tonight, not LIE-ola.
Southern Miss Announces Early Signing Period L.O.I.s
Southern Miss athletic programs received signed letters of intent from several recruits during the NCAA early signing period.
Baseball Adds Four
Coach Scott Berry announced the signing of four recruits including two junior college players and two from high school. The two junior college transfers are Matt Shaw, a 6'4" right-handed pitcher from Northwest Mississippi Community College and Ashley Graeter, a 6'1" infielder and right-handed pitcher from Pearl River Community College.
Shaw joins the Golden Eagles from Northwest where he currently plays for former Southern Miss standouts Mark Carson and Bill Selby. As a freshman with the Rangers last season he was 3-4 with a 5.82 ERA in 10 games while firing three complete games. He worked 39.2 innings allowing 33 earned runs while striking out 33 and holding opposing hitters to a .89 average. He was a two-time All-State selection out of Oxford High School in 2007 and 2008.
Graeter, who was an all-state selection at Poplarville High School, is currently playing for coach Jamie McMahon at Pearl River. As a freshman last season, he was a first team All-State selection and the Wildcats second leading hitter with a .366 average. Over 42 games he had 49 hits including seven doubles, two triples and six home runs for a .562 slugging percentage. On the mound he led the PRCC staff with a 1.67 ERA. In his seven appearances he accumulated a 3-2 record while working 21.0 innings, allowing only five earned runs while striking out 20 and walking six.
The Golden Eagles added to their youth with outfielder Joe Martin and a left-handed pitcher Josh Rogers.
Martin joins the Southern Miss program from Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana where he has been a three-year starter on a team that has won three-consecutive Louisiana State 4A championships. As a junior, Martin helped the Broncos the Class 4A championship by hitting .395 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Martin also had 16 stolen bases. He was an all-state selection the previous two seasons while also garnering preseason All-American honors.
Rogers is a left-handed pitcher from Hillcrest Christian in Jackson, Mississippi. where he has been pitching since the eighth grade. He was an all-state selection the past two seasons and an all-district selection the previous four years (eighth grade through junior year).
Men's Basketball Inks Three
Coach Larry Eustachy announced the signing of Trency Jackson of Jackson, Mississippi, Rashad Perkins of Starkville, Mississippi and Carrington Tankson of San Jacinto Junior College to play with the Golden Eagles next year.
Jackson, a 6-2 guard, is a senior at fifth-ranked Jackson-Wingfield High School. As a junior, he averaged 22 points, 4.2 rebounds and four assists. He is a member of the Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen, and is rated as the No. 131 shooting guard in the country by ESPN. Last year, he was selected Second Team All-Metro. Jackson also received offers from Indiana, Marquette, Missouri, Missouri State, UAB and USC.
Perkins, a 6-5 forward, is a senior at fourth-ranked Starkville High School. Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, Perkins averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while helping the Yellow Jackets finish 21-5 last year. He was named to the 2009-10 Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen. As a sophomore, he averaged 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. Perkins also received offers from Alabama, Mississippi State and UAB.
Tankson, a 6-4 guard, is in his second season at San Jacinto (Texas) Junior College. He is currently ranked as the 30th-rated player by JucoJunction.com, who also rates him as a two-star player. Last year, he was named NJCAA Region 14 All-Region Honorable Mention, playing in all 32 games, starting 26. He was third on the team with 12.6 points per game, while averaging four rebounds. He also shot 78-percent from the free throw line. He is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he played for Osseo High School. He helped Osseo to three-consecutive conference championships. As a senior, he averaged 17.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while leading the Orioles to a 22-7 record and a berth in the Class AAAA state finals. Tankson averaged 17.0 points, 4.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals as a senior. He was named the Conference Most Valuable Player, First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, and is a member of the 1,000-point club.
Women's Basketball Signs Four
Coach Joye Lee-McNelis announced the signing of four, including the high ranked recruit since her return to Hattiesburg. Janairrika Bland of Edwards, Mississippi, Niesha and Nitesha Pierce of Gulfport, Mississippi and Jamierra Faulkner of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Bland, a 6-3 center, averaged 15.4 points and 10.0 rebounds last as a junior, helping Raymond High School win the Class 3A state championship. She also averaged three blocks per game. She was named to the All-Metro team as a sophomore and junior. She scored a season-high 27 points against Terry High School. She also played in the Mississippi North-South All-Star Game this past summer. Bland, a member of the Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen, was a three-year letterwinner for Coach Shay Jackson and earned all-state honors two straight seasons as well as all-south and all-district for three years.
Niesha Pierce, a 5-10 guard, plays at Harrison Central High School, where she is a four-year letterwinner for Coach Nancy Ladner. As a junior, she averaged 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and .28 steals per game, while helping her team advance to the semifinals of the Class 5A State Tournament and finishing with a 22-2 record. She shot 44.5 percent from the field and 76.5 percent from the free throw line. She scored a career-high 35 points against Pass Christian. She was named the Sun Herald All-Coast Player of the Year, All-Sun Herald team and the Class 5A Division 8 MHASS All-Star Team. She also was a member of the Mississippi Sports Medicine North-South Junior All-Star team. Pierce earned her team's MVP award and named the team's best defensive player for two consecutive years.
Nitesha Pierce, a 5-10 forward, plays at No. 2 ranked Harrison Central High School for Coach Nancy Ladner. As a junior, she averaged 18.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.1 steals in leading her team to the semifinals of the Class 5A State Tournament. She also played in the Mississippi North-South All-Star game this past summer. She was named her team's best offensive player for two straight seasons.
Pierce was named to the 2009 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen team for the No. 2 ranked Red Rebelettes. She was tabbed the Sun Herald All-Coast Player of the Year, the All-Sun Herald Team and selected to the Class 5A Division 8 MHSAA All-Star Team. Pierce also played volleyball and participated in track and field. She was named the team's Most Outstanding Athlete last season. She was named to the 2009 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen team for the No. 2 ranked Red Rebelettes. She was tabbed the Sun Herald All-Coast Player of the Year, the All-Sun Herald Team and selected to the Class 5A Division 8 MHSAA All-Star Team. Pierce also played volleyball and participated in track and field. She was named the team's Most Outstanding Athlete last season.
Faulkner, a 5-6 point guard, plays at Trinity Christian Academy for Coach Luther McCray. Faulkner has scored 1,136 points in her career. Over the past three seasons, she has 351 steals and 619 assists. As a sophomore, she led her team to their first 1A State Championship and was selected the MVP. Faulkner was named Palm Beach Post first team all-county for three straight years. She has been ranked No. 69 overall in the ESPNU HoopGurlz 100 players and No. 20 in point guards
Men's Golf Adds Two New Faces
Coach Jerry Weeks announced the signing of Trent Hillis of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Zach Estep of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Hillis earned All-State honors in both 2007 and 2008 while earning fourth-place at the 2008 Missouri High School State Championship. In 2008 on the junior circuit, Hillis captured the Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) St. Andrews Classic, while taking second-place at FCWT the Mission Inn - Las Colinas Open. Both finishes helped him earn 2008 FCWT Third Team All-American. Healso finished in fourth place at the 2008 Missouri Junior Amateur and sixth-place at the 2009 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Lockton Kansas City Junior.
Estep shot a 71 to lead Peachtree Ridge High School to the Georgia State Championship in 2009, while helping them to a second-place finish in 2008. In 2007 and 2008, he was named to the Gwinnett County Super 6 Team. Estep earned two Top Ten finishes on the AJGA circuit in 2009, including a fifth-place finish at the Ringgold Telephone Company Junior Classic. Over the last three years, Estep earned eight Top Five finishes on the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour (SJGT), including victories at the 2007 SJGT Championship, the 2007 SJGT Southern Junior and the 2008 SJGT Greystone Junior Classic. He has twice represented Georgia in the Georgia vs. South Carolina Junior Cup matches, as well as being a two-time nominee for the AJGA Scholastic All-American Awar
Softball Adds Four
Coach Howard Dobson announced the signing of four athletes. Joining the Southern Miss family is Taylor Brown, a first baseman/outfielder from Cypress, Texas, Brittany Lilly, a third baseman from Houston, Texas, MacKenzie Sher, a catcher from Bellaire, Texas and Kayla Stanley, a utility player from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Brown comes to the Black and Gold from Cypress Springs High School in Cypress, Texas where she is a three-time all-district selection while twice leading her team in batting average, she hit .405 as a freshman and .580 in her sophomore campaign.
She also played for the Texas Eclipse Gold travel team which participated in the 2009 ASA Gold National Championships in Oklahoma City.
Lilly comes to Southern Miss from M.B. Lamar High School where she has been the starting third baseman and an all-district selection the previous three seasons. As a freshman she led the district with a .555 average while swiping 20 bases, which was tops on her team. In her sophomore campaign she hit .576 while leading the greater Houston area in extra base hits (25 double, 15 triples and four home runs). She earned her third consecutive all-district selection as a junior, hitting .400 with seven doubles and three triples. She played on the Texas Storm DeMarini Gold Summer Team, with current Golden Eagles players Leslie LeJune and Beth Dietrich, and reached the 2008 ASA Gold Nationals.
Sher is a catcher out of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas where she is a three-time all-district selection and as a freshman in 2007 she was selected Newcomer of the Year. As a sophomore in 2008 she blasted 10 home runs, which led the Houston area for long balls. She followed with her junior season, in which she blasted eight more home runs and hit .390. She also played on the Texas Eclipse Gold travel team, with fellow signee Taylor Brown.
Southern Miss did not have to go very far to find their last signee, from just down the road at Oak Grove High school. Kayla Stanley becomes the latest Oak Grove player to join the Golden Eagles, along with current players Courtney Hill, Megan Hill and Logan James. Stanley is a three-time all district selection and a five-year letter winner while serving as the team captain the previous three season for the Warriors. As an eighth grader she was a starter for the 2006 5A state Championship team. She is a true utility player who has started at seven different positions in her high school career and boasts a .980 career fielding percentage. As a junior last year she hit .390 with 29 RBI and eight triples.
Baseball Adds Four
Coach Scott Berry announced the signing of four recruits including two junior college players and two from high school. The two junior college transfers are Matt Shaw, a 6'4" right-handed pitcher from Northwest Mississippi Community College and Ashley Graeter, a 6'1" infielder and right-handed pitcher from Pearl River Community College.
Shaw joins the Golden Eagles from Northwest where he currently plays for former Southern Miss standouts Mark Carson and Bill Selby. As a freshman with the Rangers last season he was 3-4 with a 5.82 ERA in 10 games while firing three complete games. He worked 39.2 innings allowing 33 earned runs while striking out 33 and holding opposing hitters to a .89 average. He was a two-time All-State selection out of Oxford High School in 2007 and 2008.
Graeter, who was an all-state selection at Poplarville High School, is currently playing for coach Jamie McMahon at Pearl River. As a freshman last season, he was a first team All-State selection and the Wildcats second leading hitter with a .366 average. Over 42 games he had 49 hits including seven doubles, two triples and six home runs for a .562 slugging percentage. On the mound he led the PRCC staff with a 1.67 ERA. In his seven appearances he accumulated a 3-2 record while working 21.0 innings, allowing only five earned runs while striking out 20 and walking six.
The Golden Eagles added to their youth with outfielder Joe Martin and a left-handed pitcher Josh Rogers.
Martin joins the Southern Miss program from Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana where he has been a three-year starter on a team that has won three-consecutive Louisiana State 4A championships. As a junior, Martin helped the Broncos the Class 4A championship by hitting .395 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Martin also had 16 stolen bases. He was an all-state selection the previous two seasons while also garnering preseason All-American honors.
Rogers is a left-handed pitcher from Hillcrest Christian in Jackson, Mississippi. where he has been pitching since the eighth grade. He was an all-state selection the past two seasons and an all-district selection the previous four years (eighth grade through junior year).
Men's Basketball Inks Three
Coach Larry Eustachy announced the signing of Trency Jackson of Jackson, Mississippi, Rashad Perkins of Starkville, Mississippi and Carrington Tankson of San Jacinto Junior College to play with the Golden Eagles next year.
Jackson, a 6-2 guard, is a senior at fifth-ranked Jackson-Wingfield High School. As a junior, he averaged 22 points, 4.2 rebounds and four assists. He is a member of the Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen, and is rated as the No. 131 shooting guard in the country by ESPN. Last year, he was selected Second Team All-Metro. Jackson also received offers from Indiana, Marquette, Missouri, Missouri State, UAB and USC.
Perkins, a 6-5 forward, is a senior at fourth-ranked Starkville High School. Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, Perkins averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while helping the Yellow Jackets finish 21-5 last year. He was named to the 2009-10 Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen. As a sophomore, he averaged 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. Perkins also received offers from Alabama, Mississippi State and UAB.
Tankson, a 6-4 guard, is in his second season at San Jacinto (Texas) Junior College. He is currently ranked as the 30th-rated player by JucoJunction.com, who also rates him as a two-star player. Last year, he was named NJCAA Region 14 All-Region Honorable Mention, playing in all 32 games, starting 26. He was third on the team with 12.6 points per game, while averaging four rebounds. He also shot 78-percent from the free throw line. He is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he played for Osseo High School. He helped Osseo to three-consecutive conference championships. As a senior, he averaged 17.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while leading the Orioles to a 22-7 record and a berth in the Class AAAA state finals. Tankson averaged 17.0 points, 4.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals as a senior. He was named the Conference Most Valuable Player, First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, and is a member of the 1,000-point club.
Women's Basketball Signs Four
Coach Joye Lee-McNelis announced the signing of four, including the high ranked recruit since her return to Hattiesburg. Janairrika Bland of Edwards, Mississippi, Niesha and Nitesha Pierce of Gulfport, Mississippi and Jamierra Faulkner of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Bland, a 6-3 center, averaged 15.4 points and 10.0 rebounds last as a junior, helping Raymond High School win the Class 3A state championship. She also averaged three blocks per game. She was named to the All-Metro team as a sophomore and junior. She scored a season-high 27 points against Terry High School. She also played in the Mississippi North-South All-Star Game this past summer. Bland, a member of the Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen, was a three-year letterwinner for Coach Shay Jackson and earned all-state honors two straight seasons as well as all-south and all-district for three years.
Niesha Pierce, a 5-10 guard, plays at Harrison Central High School, where she is a four-year letterwinner for Coach Nancy Ladner. As a junior, she averaged 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and .28 steals per game, while helping her team advance to the semifinals of the Class 5A State Tournament and finishing with a 22-2 record. She shot 44.5 percent from the field and 76.5 percent from the free throw line. She scored a career-high 35 points against Pass Christian. She was named the Sun Herald All-Coast Player of the Year, All-Sun Herald team and the Class 5A Division 8 MHASS All-Star Team. She also was a member of the Mississippi Sports Medicine North-South Junior All-Star team. Pierce earned her team's MVP award and named the team's best defensive player for two consecutive years.
Nitesha Pierce, a 5-10 forward, plays at No. 2 ranked Harrison Central High School for Coach Nancy Ladner. As a junior, she averaged 18.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.1 steals in leading her team to the semifinals of the Class 5A State Tournament. She also played in the Mississippi North-South All-Star game this past summer. She was named her team's best offensive player for two straight seasons.
Pierce was named to the 2009 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen team for the No. 2 ranked Red Rebelettes. She was tabbed the Sun Herald All-Coast Player of the Year, the All-Sun Herald Team and selected to the Class 5A Division 8 MHSAA All-Star Team. Pierce also played volleyball and participated in track and field. She was named the team's Most Outstanding Athlete last season. She was named to the 2009 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen team for the No. 2 ranked Red Rebelettes. She was tabbed the Sun Herald All-Coast Player of the Year, the All-Sun Herald Team and selected to the Class 5A Division 8 MHSAA All-Star Team. Pierce also played volleyball and participated in track and field. She was named the team's Most Outstanding Athlete last season.
Faulkner, a 5-6 point guard, plays at Trinity Christian Academy for Coach Luther McCray. Faulkner has scored 1,136 points in her career. Over the past three seasons, she has 351 steals and 619 assists. As a sophomore, she led her team to their first 1A State Championship and was selected the MVP. Faulkner was named Palm Beach Post first team all-county for three straight years. She has been ranked No. 69 overall in the ESPNU HoopGurlz 100 players and No. 20 in point guards
Men's Golf Adds Two New Faces
Coach Jerry Weeks announced the signing of Trent Hillis of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Zach Estep of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Hillis earned All-State honors in both 2007 and 2008 while earning fourth-place at the 2008 Missouri High School State Championship. In 2008 on the junior circuit, Hillis captured the Future Collegiate World Tour (FCWT) St. Andrews Classic, while taking second-place at FCWT the Mission Inn - Las Colinas Open. Both finishes helped him earn 2008 FCWT Third Team All-American. Healso finished in fourth place at the 2008 Missouri Junior Amateur and sixth-place at the 2009 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Lockton Kansas City Junior.
Estep shot a 71 to lead Peachtree Ridge High School to the Georgia State Championship in 2009, while helping them to a second-place finish in 2008. In 2007 and 2008, he was named to the Gwinnett County Super 6 Team. Estep earned two Top Ten finishes on the AJGA circuit in 2009, including a fifth-place finish at the Ringgold Telephone Company Junior Classic. Over the last three years, Estep earned eight Top Five finishes on the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour (SJGT), including victories at the 2007 SJGT Championship, the 2007 SJGT Southern Junior and the 2008 SJGT Greystone Junior Classic. He has twice represented Georgia in the Georgia vs. South Carolina Junior Cup matches, as well as being a two-time nominee for the AJGA Scholastic All-American Awar
Softball Adds Four
Coach Howard Dobson announced the signing of four athletes. Joining the Southern Miss family is Taylor Brown, a first baseman/outfielder from Cypress, Texas, Brittany Lilly, a third baseman from Houston, Texas, MacKenzie Sher, a catcher from Bellaire, Texas and Kayla Stanley, a utility player from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Brown comes to the Black and Gold from Cypress Springs High School in Cypress, Texas where she is a three-time all-district selection while twice leading her team in batting average, she hit .405 as a freshman and .580 in her sophomore campaign.
She also played for the Texas Eclipse Gold travel team which participated in the 2009 ASA Gold National Championships in Oklahoma City.
Lilly comes to Southern Miss from M.B. Lamar High School where she has been the starting third baseman and an all-district selection the previous three seasons. As a freshman she led the district with a .555 average while swiping 20 bases, which was tops on her team. In her sophomore campaign she hit .576 while leading the greater Houston area in extra base hits (25 double, 15 triples and four home runs). She earned her third consecutive all-district selection as a junior, hitting .400 with seven doubles and three triples. She played on the Texas Storm DeMarini Gold Summer Team, with current Golden Eagles players Leslie LeJune and Beth Dietrich, and reached the 2008 ASA Gold Nationals.
Sher is a catcher out of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas where she is a three-time all-district selection and as a freshman in 2007 she was selected Newcomer of the Year. As a sophomore in 2008 she blasted 10 home runs, which led the Houston area for long balls. She followed with her junior season, in which she blasted eight more home runs and hit .390. She also played on the Texas Eclipse Gold travel team, with fellow signee Taylor Brown.
Southern Miss did not have to go very far to find their last signee, from just down the road at Oak Grove High school. Kayla Stanley becomes the latest Oak Grove player to join the Golden Eagles, along with current players Courtney Hill, Megan Hill and Logan James. Stanley is a three-time all district selection and a five-year letter winner while serving as the team captain the previous three season for the Warriors. As an eighth grader she was a starter for the 2006 5A state Championship team. She is a true utility player who has started at seven different positions in her high school career and boasts a .980 career fielding percentage. As a junior last year she hit .390 with 29 RBI and eight triples.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Lady Eagles Lose Road Contest To Redhawks
The Southern Miss Golden Eagle women's basketball team lost its first game of the season to Southeast Missouri State 73-63 tonight at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
The Lady Eagles trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half and went into the half trailing 31-26. The Redhawks outscored the Golden Eagles 42-37 in the second half and never let Southern Miss have a lead in the game.
The Redhawks (2-0) extended their home winning streak to nine games. The Lady Eagles (1-1) return to action on Thursday night at Michigan.
The Lady Eagles trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half and went into the half trailing 31-26. The Redhawks outscored the Golden Eagles 42-37 in the second half and never let Southern Miss have a lead in the game.
The Redhawks (2-0) extended their home winning streak to nine games. The Lady Eagles (1-1) return to action on Thursday night at Michigan.
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of November 16, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: South Florida vs. Southern Miss
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Central Florida vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. Marshall
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Wyoming vs. Houston
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Georgia
* ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: South Florida vs. Southern Miss
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Central Florida vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. Marshall
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Wyoming vs. Houston
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: East Carolina vs. Georgia
* ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Golden Eagles Earn P.O.W. Honors, USM - ECU To Be Televised
Tracy Lampley and Pauline Love claimed Conference USA Player of the Week awards after their performances last week.
Lampley won the football Special Teams Player of the Week award. He established a school record for kickoff return yards in a game with 211 in the Golden Eagles win at Marshall. He registered his first career kickoff return for a 93-yard touchdown and ended the game with 225 all-purpose yards. Lampley is one of just three FBS players to return a kickoff and punt for a touchdown in 2009 and the only true freshman that has done that this season.
Love, a two-time All-C-USA first teamer, was named women's basketball Player of the Week after starting the 2009-10 season off by recording her 40th career double-double. She scored a game-high 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the team's 72-53 season opening win over South Alabama Saturday. Love shot 58.8 percent from the field on 10-of-17 shooting as well as going 3-of-4 from behind the arc. The senior also dished out six assists and had one steal in 37 minutes of play. Love scored the first eight points of the game. This is her first Player of the Week honor this season and third for her career.
The Southern Miss football game at East Carolina on Saturday, November 28 will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports. This will be the eighth televised game this season for the Golden Eagles. Game time has been changed to 12:30pm.
Lampley won the football Special Teams Player of the Week award. He established a school record for kickoff return yards in a game with 211 in the Golden Eagles win at Marshall. He registered his first career kickoff return for a 93-yard touchdown and ended the game with 225 all-purpose yards. Lampley is one of just three FBS players to return a kickoff and punt for a touchdown in 2009 and the only true freshman that has done that this season.
Love, a two-time All-C-USA first teamer, was named women's basketball Player of the Week after starting the 2009-10 season off by recording her 40th career double-double. She scored a game-high 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the team's 72-53 season opening win over South Alabama Saturday. Love shot 58.8 percent from the field on 10-of-17 shooting as well as going 3-of-4 from behind the arc. The senior also dished out six assists and had one steal in 37 minutes of play. Love scored the first eight points of the game. This is her first Player of the Week honor this season and third for her career.
The Southern Miss football game at East Carolina on Saturday, November 28 will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports. This will be the eighth televised game this season for the Golden Eagles. Game time has been changed to 12:30pm.
Winning Weekend For Golden Eagle Sports
A regular season conference championship, season opening victories and a key road win sum up a big winning weekend for Southern Miss athletics.
The Golden Eagle volleyball team secured its first Conference USA regular season championship and the number one overall seed for the conference tournament with a win over 3-1 over Central Florida Friday night. Southern Miss (26-4, 14-2 C-USA) will play Houston (9-22, 6-10)in the opening round of the conference tournament Friday night at Rice.
Both the men's and women's baketball programs are feeling good after both recorded wins in their regular season openers. Led by R.L. Horton's 20 point game, the Golden Eagles beat Louisiana-Lafayette 79-72 at the Cajun Dome on Saturday. Coach Larry Eustachy and the Golden Eagles return home on Tuesday night to play Loyola-New Orleans at 7pm.
Not to be out done, Joye Lee-McNelis and her squad went on the road and beat South Alabama 72-53. The game ball goes to Pauline Love and her 26 point and 14 rebound performance. The Lady Eagles next take the court tonight at Southeast Missouri State (coached by Southern Miss alumnus and former assistant John Ishee). Tip off is set for 7pm.
The Golden Eagle football squad picked up a key conference victory with a 27-20 win over Marshall. This was USM's first road win of the season. The offense was sluggish most of the game, but made big plays at key moments to take the win.
The defense still needs a lot of work. Even with an impressive run defensive and an aggressive pass rush (finally), the defensive backfield has trouble containing Marshall's quick passing game.
Tracy Lampley was the brightest spot of the evening with 211 return yards, including a touchdown on a 93 yard kick off return. Unfortunately, the place kicking game still needs a lot of work. New kicker Daniel Hrapmann had an extra point blocked and missed a field goal.
The Golden Eagles now change their focus to Tulsa. Southern Miss has historically struggled with the Golden Hurricane, who has a five game losing streak this season. They are typically a pass happy team with offense that can give the USM defensive backfield fits. Southern Miss will need to correct their defensive and special teams errors in order to get a win this weekend.
Tulsa will be a hungry team also needs two wins to become bowl eligible, but the Golden Eagles will be focused on winning out and securing the Conference USA East title. USM senior's will also be shooting to win their last game at The Rock. Southern Miss wins a high scoring game at home 44-39. Game time is set for 6:30pm and the game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports.
The Golden Eagle volleyball team secured its first Conference USA regular season championship and the number one overall seed for the conference tournament with a win over 3-1 over Central Florida Friday night. Southern Miss (26-4, 14-2 C-USA) will play Houston (9-22, 6-10)in the opening round of the conference tournament Friday night at Rice.
Both the men's and women's baketball programs are feeling good after both recorded wins in their regular season openers. Led by R.L. Horton's 20 point game, the Golden Eagles beat Louisiana-Lafayette 79-72 at the Cajun Dome on Saturday. Coach Larry Eustachy and the Golden Eagles return home on Tuesday night to play Loyola-New Orleans at 7pm.
Not to be out done, Joye Lee-McNelis and her squad went on the road and beat South Alabama 72-53. The game ball goes to Pauline Love and her 26 point and 14 rebound performance. The Lady Eagles next take the court tonight at Southeast Missouri State (coached by Southern Miss alumnus and former assistant John Ishee). Tip off is set for 7pm.
The Golden Eagle football squad picked up a key conference victory with a 27-20 win over Marshall. This was USM's first road win of the season. The offense was sluggish most of the game, but made big plays at key moments to take the win.
The defense still needs a lot of work. Even with an impressive run defensive and an aggressive pass rush (finally), the defensive backfield has trouble containing Marshall's quick passing game.
Tracy Lampley was the brightest spot of the evening with 211 return yards, including a touchdown on a 93 yard kick off return. Unfortunately, the place kicking game still needs a lot of work. New kicker Daniel Hrapmann had an extra point blocked and missed a field goal.
The Golden Eagles now change their focus to Tulsa. Southern Miss has historically struggled with the Golden Hurricane, who has a five game losing streak this season. They are typically a pass happy team with offense that can give the USM defensive backfield fits. Southern Miss will need to correct their defensive and special teams errors in order to get a win this weekend.
Tulsa will be a hungry team also needs two wins to become bowl eligible, but the Golden Eagles will be focused on winning out and securing the Conference USA East title. USM senior's will also be shooting to win their last game at The Rock. Southern Miss wins a high scoring game at home 44-39. Game time is set for 6:30pm and the game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of November 9, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: South Florida vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. Marshall
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Southern Miss
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
* ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL - 7pm ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: South Florida vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20, New Orleans, LA - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Northern Illinois* vs. Marshall
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Southern Miss
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
* ACC will not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Quick Hits: Conference Champions, Basketball Begins, Fall Baseball, Football Back In Action
It looks like a championship program has been running below the radar in Hattiesburg this season. With a 25-4 overall and the 13-2 conference record, the Southern Miss volleyball team has already captured a share of the Conference USA regular season volleyball championship. With a win over Central Florida on Friday, November 13, the Golden Eagles will claim sole possession of the regular season crown.
Basketball
Basketball season is under way across the nation and the Southern Miss men's basketball team will tip off another campaign this Saturday (November 14) on the road at Louisiana-Lafayette. There is a lot of chatter about this year's team and the new talent that arrived on campus. Picked 6th in the Conference USA pre-season poll, coach Larry Eustachy and the Golden Eagles return to Hattiesburg for their home opener on November 17 against Loyola-New Orleans.
After winning to exhibition games over West Alabama and Mobile College, Joye Lee McNelis and the Southern Miss women's basketball program open up regular season action Saturday afternoon at home against South Alabama.
Plenty of tickets for both programs are still available.
Baseball
Coming off of a dream season that included a College World Series appearance, first year head coach Scott Berry and the Golden Eagle baseball team recently completed its fall baseball season, including a 13-1 victory over William Carey University. In addition to several new faces, there were a few position changes to note including Joey Archer from first base to third base, Adam Doleac moving to first base and Taylor Walker moving from third to second base (his natural position). The regular season opens up their regular season schedule on February 19, 2010 at Pete Taylor Park against Northwestern State
Football
The Golden Eagle football team hits the home stretch of the season this week on the road Saturday against Marshall. Southern Miss will try to avenge last year's loss to Marshall in Hattiesburg. This is a must win game if the Golden Eagles want a chance at winning the Eastern Division of Conference USA. USM becomes bowl eligible and wins close a one 27-24. Kickoff is set for 3:30pm (CST).
CBS College Sports has picked up the Tulsa at Southern Miss game on November 21. Kickoff for this game has been moved to 6:30pm.
Basketball
Basketball season is under way across the nation and the Southern Miss men's basketball team will tip off another campaign this Saturday (November 14) on the road at Louisiana-Lafayette. There is a lot of chatter about this year's team and the new talent that arrived on campus. Picked 6th in the Conference USA pre-season poll, coach Larry Eustachy and the Golden Eagles return to Hattiesburg for their home opener on November 17 against Loyola-New Orleans.
After winning to exhibition games over West Alabama and Mobile College, Joye Lee McNelis and the Southern Miss women's basketball program open up regular season action Saturday afternoon at home against South Alabama.
Plenty of tickets for both programs are still available.
Baseball
Coming off of a dream season that included a College World Series appearance, first year head coach Scott Berry and the Golden Eagle baseball team recently completed its fall baseball season, including a 13-1 victory over William Carey University. In addition to several new faces, there were a few position changes to note including Joey Archer from first base to third base, Adam Doleac moving to first base and Taylor Walker moving from third to second base (his natural position). The regular season opens up their regular season schedule on February 19, 2010 at Pete Taylor Park against Northwestern State
Football
The Golden Eagle football team hits the home stretch of the season this week on the road Saturday against Marshall. Southern Miss will try to avenge last year's loss to Marshall in Hattiesburg. This is a must win game if the Golden Eagles want a chance at winning the Eastern Division of Conference USA. USM becomes bowl eligible and wins close a one 27-24. Kickoff is set for 3:30pm (CST).
CBS College Sports has picked up the Tulsa at Southern Miss game on November 21. Kickoff for this game has been moved to 6:30pm.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Conference USA Affiliated Bowl Projections
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of November 2, 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Southern Miss
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Marshall
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Southern Miss
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Marshall
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
Quick Hits: Golden Eagles Come Up Short In Barn Burner
What a fun game to watch...1,358 combined offensive yards, 93 points, big play after big play. In a game that resembled the WAC of old, Houston scored the game winning touchdown with less than one 30 seconds on the clock to win the game 50-43.
Martevious Young continues to be impressive at the quarterback position. This was by far his best game of the year with 334 yards passing, 26 yards receiving, 70 yards rushing, three touchdown passes and another rushing. If he keeps this up, the quarterback race next year will be very interesting.
Props also go out to Gerald Baptiste for pulling down eight passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
Even with the offense running at full steam, defense and special teams play are frustrating coaches, players and fans alike. The defense did not appear to make any adjustments throughout the game. Aside from two turnovers, Case Keenum and the Houston Cougars pretty much were able to whatever they wanted to do Saturday afternoon. 750 yards...really?
Two more blocked extra points and a missed goal continued the kicking game mistakes the Golden Eagles have had all season. Justin Estes had his first extra point blocked and was replaced by Daniel Hrapmann who went on to miss another extra point and a field goal attempt. The the field goal unit should be scrapped and rebuilt.
From an injury standpoint, the Golden Eagles came out relatively good. The only injury that may have a long term effect is Anthony Gray (possible broken ribs). The defensive line will have a hard time replacing BAG if he is held out of games.
Southern Miss has a much needed bye week to get healthy and to fine tune all three phases of the game. The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, November 14 at Marshall.
Martevious Young continues to be impressive at the quarterback position. This was by far his best game of the year with 334 yards passing, 26 yards receiving, 70 yards rushing, three touchdown passes and another rushing. If he keeps this up, the quarterback race next year will be very interesting.
Props also go out to Gerald Baptiste for pulling down eight passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
Even with the offense running at full steam, defense and special teams play are frustrating coaches, players and fans alike. The defense did not appear to make any adjustments throughout the game. Aside from two turnovers, Case Keenum and the Houston Cougars pretty much were able to whatever they wanted to do Saturday afternoon. 750 yards...really?
Two more blocked extra points and a missed goal continued the kicking game mistakes the Golden Eagles have had all season. Justin Estes had his first extra point blocked and was replaced by Daniel Hrapmann who went on to miss another extra point and a field goal attempt. The the field goal unit should be scrapped and rebuilt.
From an injury standpoint, the Golden Eagles came out relatively good. The only injury that may have a long term effect is Anthony Gray (possible broken ribs). The defensive line will have a hard time replacing BAG if he is held out of games.
Southern Miss has a much needed bye week to get healthy and to fine tune all three phases of the game. The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, November 14 at Marshall.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 26, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 26, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Army
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Iowa State vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Army
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Iowa State vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: Air Force vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 19, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 19, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Army
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Indiana* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Army
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Indiana* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
Quick Hits: Golden Eagles Too Much For Memphis, Getting Ready For Tulane
Behind big special teams plays from Tracy Lampley and Freddie Parham, Southern Miss proved to be too much for the visiting Memphis Tigers on Saturday night at M.M. Roberts Stadium. After it was all said and done the Golden Eagles took the victory 36-16.
Once again, Martavious Young did a great job managing the offense. Young threw his first touchdown pass of his college career in the third quarter to DeAndre Brown. It will be nice to a see a few plays with Quentin Pierce, Leroy Banks and Brown on the field at the same time. Combing with the threat that Damion Fletcher or Tori Harrison brings to the table, defenses would have fits with this package.
The defense still needs to put more pressure on the quarterback and needs to make tackles. Memphis was just a bad team. The same performance against a higher-caliber team could result in a ugly day.
The kick return game was fantastic. Lampley finally took a return back for a touchdown in the third quarter and Parham took a kick off back 78 yards, which led to a Southern Miss TD. On a negative note, there were two failed extra points (block and botched snap).
Injury Updates
Defensive back Michael Magee is listed as doubtful for this week's game against the Tulane Green Wave. Magee injured his knee against Memphis and will have an MRI early this week.
Tulane Green Wave
Due to Conference USA scheduling, Southern Miss and Tulane have not played since 2006. Hard to believe considering the teams are roughly 100 miles apart. Tulane will bring a new starting quarterback, a solid running game and a sound defense that will test USM early. The Golden Eagles should have no problem securing a homecoming victory, but need to take this game seriously and not look ahead to next week's game at Houston. To paraphrase Coach Fedora, "We need to be 1-0 next week."
Southern Miss 38
Tulane 17
Once again, Martavious Young did a great job managing the offense. Young threw his first touchdown pass of his college career in the third quarter to DeAndre Brown. It will be nice to a see a few plays with Quentin Pierce, Leroy Banks and Brown on the field at the same time. Combing with the threat that Damion Fletcher or Tori Harrison brings to the table, defenses would have fits with this package.
The defense still needs to put more pressure on the quarterback and needs to make tackles. Memphis was just a bad team. The same performance against a higher-caliber team could result in a ugly day.
The kick return game was fantastic. Lampley finally took a return back for a touchdown in the third quarter and Parham took a kick off back 78 yards, which led to a Southern Miss TD. On a negative note, there were two failed extra points (block and botched snap).
Injury Updates
Defensive back Michael Magee is listed as doubtful for this week's game against the Tulane Green Wave. Magee injured his knee against Memphis and will have an MRI early this week.
Tulane Green Wave
Due to Conference USA scheduling, Southern Miss and Tulane have not played since 2006. Hard to believe considering the teams are roughly 100 miles apart. Tulane will bring a new starting quarterback, a solid running game and a sound defense that will test USM early. The Golden Eagles should have no problem securing a homecoming victory, but need to take this game seriously and not look ahead to next week's game at Houston. To paraphrase Coach Fedora, "We need to be 1-0 next week."
Southern Miss 38
Tulane 17
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Black & Blue Game and Festivities, Byrd Suffers Injury
The Memphis Tigers come to Hattiesburg this weekend for the annual "Black & Blue" game against Southern Miss. Both teams are having less than appealing seasons thus far and many think this is a must win contest for the Golden Eagles. The USM offense should do fine against the Memphis defense, but the Golden Eagle defense will have their hands full with a potent offense from the Tigers. Running back Curtis Steele will see a bulk of the carry for Memphis and wide receiver Duke Calhoun will be one of best vertical threats to face Southern Miss this season.
This game should be a war to the final whistle. Memphis gets the edge, 33-30.
Side note - Coach Fedora announced that defensive end Rashaad Byrd will be out for the rest of the season after dislocating his ankle at practice.
This game should be a war to the final whistle. Memphis gets the edge, 33-30.
Side note - Coach Fedora announced that defensive end Rashaad Byrd will be out for the rest of the season after dislocating his ankle at practice.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Quick Hits: USM Falls To Cardinals, R.I.P. Wilkes
Louisville edged the Golden Eagles 25-23 at Papa John's Stadium Saturday night. Tori Harrision scored a late touchdown to give Southern Miss the lead with a couple of minutes remaining, but Louisville took the kickoff deep into USM territory and kicked a field goal with 30 seconds remaining to seal the win.
With Austin Davis out for the season with a foot injury, Martavious Young did a great job managing the offense and keeping the Golden Eagles in the game. Young has a rocket arm and appears to have more speed than Davis. With a few more reps, Young should do well this season.
Tori Harrison needs to be on the field more often. The combination of Harrison and Damion Fletcher could be a dangerous weapon down the stretch.
Where did the vertical game go this season? Another wide receiver needs to step up as a deep threat and help other receiver get open across the middle.
Once again, the defense did not have a enough pressure on the Louisville quarterback which left Cardinal receivers open for a majority of the game. It seemed that almost every time there was a third and eight or more, the Cardinals would easily pick up the first down. The defense needs to step it up.
Special teams cost the Golden Eagles the game again. The late kick return by Louisville set up the game winning field goal. Tracy Lampley seems to improve every week.
Southern Miss returns back to Hattiesburg this week to host Memphis in the "Black and Blue Bowl." This will be an interesting match up between two under-performing teams. Kickoff is set for 6pm.
Walk-on freshman punter Peter Wilkes will be laid to rest Wednesday near his hometown of Union City, Tennessee. Wilkes died of an accidental shooting while home last week on fall break. God bless Peter and his family.
With Austin Davis out for the season with a foot injury, Martavious Young did a great job managing the offense and keeping the Golden Eagles in the game. Young has a rocket arm and appears to have more speed than Davis. With a few more reps, Young should do well this season.
Tori Harrison needs to be on the field more often. The combination of Harrison and Damion Fletcher could be a dangerous weapon down the stretch.
Where did the vertical game go this season? Another wide receiver needs to step up as a deep threat and help other receiver get open across the middle.
Once again, the defense did not have a enough pressure on the Louisville quarterback which left Cardinal receivers open for a majority of the game. It seemed that almost every time there was a third and eight or more, the Cardinals would easily pick up the first down. The defense needs to step it up.
Special teams cost the Golden Eagles the game again. The late kick return by Louisville set up the game winning field goal. Tracy Lampley seems to improve every week.
Southern Miss returns back to Hattiesburg this week to host Memphis in the "Black and Blue Bowl." This will be an interesting match up between two under-performing teams. Kickoff is set for 6pm.
Walk-on freshman punter Peter Wilkes will be laid to rest Wednesday near his hometown of Union City, Tennessee. Wilkes died of an accidental shooting while home last week on fall break. God bless Peter and his family.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 12, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 12, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Army
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Washington* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: SMU vs. Nevada
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Army
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Washington* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Georgia
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Davis Out, Volleyball Sweeps P.O.W. Honors
Wide-spread rumors about the health of Austin Davis were confirmed by Larry Fedora on Sunday. Davis is out for the rest of the year with a tendon injury in his foot. Fedora has already announced the redshirt junior Martavious Young will be the starter against Louisville.
At today's press conference, Fedora mentioned that Young and Davis are similar and noted that Young has a stronger arm and more velocity on his passes. Look for offensive game plan modifications to focus on Young's strengths.
The Golden Eagle women's volleyball teams has been kicking butt and taking names. Through the weekend, Southern Miss is in a twp way tie for first place. Conference USA has taken notice and has rewarded three players with player of the week honors. Enjoying the award sweep is Ashley Mell (Offensive), Maia Ivanova (Defensive)and Kelsea Seymour (Setter). They next hit the court Wednesday night at Tulane.
At today's press conference, Fedora mentioned that Young and Davis are similar and noted that Young has a stronger arm and more velocity on his passes. Look for offensive game plan modifications to focus on Young's strengths.
The Golden Eagle women's volleyball teams has been kicking butt and taking names. Through the weekend, Southern Miss is in a twp way tie for first place. Conference USA has taken notice and has rewarded three players with player of the week honors. Enjoying the award sweep is Ashley Mell (Offensive), Maia Ivanova (Defensive)and Kelsea Seymour (Setter). They next hit the court Wednesday night at Tulane.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Conference USA Bowl Predictions Week Of October 5, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of October 5, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: Marshall vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: North Carolina vs. Indiana
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Middle Tennessee State* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Tennessee
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, 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: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, Honolulu, HI - 7pm ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: Marshall vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30, Washington, DC - 3:30pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: North Carolina vs. Indiana
Texas Bowl
December 30, Houston, TX - 7pm NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Middle Tennessee State* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31, Fort Worth, TX - 11am ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN - 4:30pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Tennessee
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
Big Loss
Yes, Thursday night's loss to UAB hurts, but the biggest loss from the game may be Austin Davis. There are several rumors floating around Hattiesburg and internet message boards that AD may be out with a season-ending ankle injury.
If the rumors are true, it would be devastating to the Southern Miss football squad. Davis has a great grasp of the offense and the players look to him for leadership and direction. The injury would put red shirt senior Martevious Young or true frosh Chris Campbell in charge of the offense. Young has seen limited action in is time in Hattiesburg and Campbell is just getting his feet wet with Fedora/Wyatt's offense. Its time for one or both of these young men to step up and play.
If the rumors are true, it would be devastating to the Southern Miss football squad. Davis has a great grasp of the offense and the players look to him for leadership and direction. The injury would put red shirt senior Martevious Young or true frosh Chris Campbell in charge of the offense. Young has seen limited action in is time in Hattiesburg and Campbell is just getting his feet wet with Fedora/Wyatt's offense. Its time for one or both of these young men to step up and play.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wow! That Was Ugly
For the first time ever, UAB can claim a win over Southern Miss in football. From the opening whistle, UAB played with more intensity and deserved to win the game. Final score 30-17. The Golden Eagles need to dig deep and show they are better than the product that was displayed at Legion Field last night.
Next up...Louisville.
Next up...Louisville.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update: Henderson Released By Jaguars
Former Golden Eagle Robert Henderson has been deleted from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 9/30/2009
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 (Practice Squad)
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 9/30/2009
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 (Practice Squad)
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Three Golden Eagles Out For UAB Game, Jordan Gone
Deandre Brown, Damion Fletcher and Johdrick Morris will not make the trip to Birmingham for Thursday night's Southern Miss - UAB game. The offense may not hang 70 points on the Blazers like last year, but there should still be a solid effort from the likes of running backs VJ Floyd, Desmond Johnson, Tracey Lampley and wide receiver Quentin Pierce. Even with UAB looking to rebound from last year's 70-14 loss, Southern Miss still wins.
Larry Fedora also confirmed that junior college transfer Justin Jordan is no longer with the team. Jordan was suspended indefinitely last week after a undisclosed violation of team rules. Many believe there were a handful of events that led to the suspension, but the icing on the cake was an altercation with another player and a coach on the sidelines during the Virginia game.
Larry Fedora also confirmed that junior college transfer Justin Jordan is no longer with the team. Jordan was suspended indefinitely last week after a undisclosed violation of team rules. Many believe there were a handful of events that led to the suspension, but the icing on the cake was an altercation with another player and a coach on the sidelines during the Virginia game.
Monday, September 28, 2009
USM/Louisville On ESPNU, Award For Boehme, Women's Roundball Schedule Released, Men's Basketball On TV
Golden Eagles fans will be able to watch the October 10th Southern Miss - Louisville football game on ESPNU. Game time is set for 6:30pm central time.
Freshman punter Peter Boehme was selected the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week after his performance against Kansas over the weekend. He averaged over 45.6 yards on five attempts and his punts allowed zero return yards by the Jayhawks.
Southern Miss released it's 2009-10 women's basketball schedule today. The Lady Eagles open their regular season on November 14 at home against South Alabama. Overall, the schedule is good with home games against traditional powers Georgia and Louisiana Tech. Two games are scheduled to be televised: at Marshall (ESPN2, January 10) and Houston (CBS College Sports, February 18).
The men's basketball team is scheduled to have three games televised in the upcoming season. The first game to be televised will be live from Oxford when USM takes on Ole Miss on December 5 (Fox Sports Net). The Golden Eagles January 2 contest at Vanderbilt will be televised by Fox Sports South and their game at Memphis (February 27) will be carried by CBS College Sports.
Freshman punter Peter Boehme was selected the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week after his performance against Kansas over the weekend. He averaged over 45.6 yards on five attempts and his punts allowed zero return yards by the Jayhawks.
Southern Miss released it's 2009-10 women's basketball schedule today. The Lady Eagles open their regular season on November 14 at home against South Alabama. Overall, the schedule is good with home games against traditional powers Georgia and Louisiana Tech. Two games are scheduled to be televised: at Marshall (ESPN2, January 10) and Houston (CBS College Sports, February 18).
The men's basketball team is scheduled to have three games televised in the upcoming season. The first game to be televised will be live from Oxford when USM takes on Ole Miss on December 5 (Fox Sports Net). The Golden Eagles January 2 contest at Vanderbilt will be televised by Fox Sports South and their game at Memphis (February 27) will be carried by CBS College Sports.
Quick Hits: Eagles Fall Short Against The Jayhawks
In their first road game of the season, Southern Miss lost a close game to the Kansas Jayhawks 35-28.
Offensively, the running game was almost non-existent. Injuries to Damion Fletcher and Tori Harrison helped Austin Davis lead the team on the ground for the day. The passing game did well, but Golden Eagles did have enough fire power to win the game. The offense also kicked itself in the foot with a fumble near the Kansas red zone and a failed fourth and one attempt, both near the end of the second quarter.
The defense allowed over 100 yards rushing for the first time this season, but this wasn't the main reason why the Jayhawks won the game. Kansas did a great job of controlling the clock and moving the ball with their passing game. Once again, the defensive line didn't get much pressure in the first half. Blitz packages were added in the second half with good results. Maybe the Golden Eagles blitz more in the first half.
Overall, special teams play was fair. No miss extra points, great punting and punt returns were good. Kick off coverage allowed more yards than usual and the coaching staff needs to find confidence in a kicker to get a few field goals.
The biggest blow of the weekend was the injury bug. Fletcher, Harrison and Deandre Brown were banged up in the game and are most likely questionable for this week's game against UAB.
The Golden Eagles should be able to rebound nicely against Blazers Thursday night in Birmingham. USM has never lost to UAB and that streak should continue. The game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports at 7pm central time. For those without CBS-C the game will be available online on SouthernMiss.com for $14.95.
Southern Miss coaches and fans are still waiting to see a complete game from all three phases. Perhaps this will be the week.
Southern Miss 38 UAB 17
Offensively, the running game was almost non-existent. Injuries to Damion Fletcher and Tori Harrison helped Austin Davis lead the team on the ground for the day. The passing game did well, but Golden Eagles did have enough fire power to win the game. The offense also kicked itself in the foot with a fumble near the Kansas red zone and a failed fourth and one attempt, both near the end of the second quarter.
The defense allowed over 100 yards rushing for the first time this season, but this wasn't the main reason why the Jayhawks won the game. Kansas did a great job of controlling the clock and moving the ball with their passing game. Once again, the defensive line didn't get much pressure in the first half. Blitz packages were added in the second half with good results. Maybe the Golden Eagles blitz more in the first half.
Overall, special teams play was fair. No miss extra points, great punting and punt returns were good. Kick off coverage allowed more yards than usual and the coaching staff needs to find confidence in a kicker to get a few field goals.
The biggest blow of the weekend was the injury bug. Fletcher, Harrison and Deandre Brown were banged up in the game and are most likely questionable for this week's game against UAB.
The Golden Eagles should be able to rebound nicely against Blazers Thursday night in Birmingham. USM has never lost to UAB and that streak should continue. The game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports at 7pm central time. For those without CBS-C the game will be available online on SouthernMiss.com for $14.95.
Southern Miss coaches and fans are still waiting to see a complete game from all three phases. Perhaps this will be the week.
Southern Miss 38 UAB 17
Conference USA Bowl Predictions Week Of September 28, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of September 28, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20th, New Orleans LA, 8 pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24th, Honolulu HI, 8 pm, ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30th, Washington DC, 4:30 pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Northwestern
Texas Bowl
December 30th, Houston TX, NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Arizona* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31st, Fort Worth TX, TBD, ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN 5:30 pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Tennessee
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20th, New Orleans LA, 8 pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: East Carolina vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24th, Honolulu HI, 8 pm, ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30th, Washington DC, 4:30 pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Northwestern
Texas Bowl
December 30th, Houston TX, NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Arizona* vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31st, Fort Worth TX, TBD, ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN 5:30 pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Tennessee
* Big 12 will not have enough qualified teams for Texas Bowl.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
2009-10 Men's Basketball Schedule Released
Perhaps trying to hide the release on the day of the big football announcement, Southern Miss released the 2009-10 men's basketball schedule today. One word can sum it up, embarrassing.
How can any reasonable person think that a schedule featuring four home games against NAIA schools will improve season ticket sales? This schedule shows that the current head coach is lazy and not willing to do what it takes turn the basketball program around. Anything less than 20 wins this year should result in Larry Eustachy's termination.
How can any reasonable person think that a schedule featuring four home games against NAIA schools will improve season ticket sales? This schedule shows that the current head coach is lazy and not willing to do what it takes turn the basketball program around. Anything less than 20 wins this year should result in Larry Eustachy's termination.
It's Official - Bulldogs And Golden Eagles Resume Football Series
Academic and athletic leadership from Mississippi State and Southern Miss announced a two game football series beginning in 2014. The home and home series, will be season openers for both schools. The first game is scheduled for August 30, 2014 at Scott Field in Starkville. The following year's contest is set for September 5, 2015 at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg.
The teams last met in 1990. Southern Miss leads the all-time series 14-12-1.
Each visiting team will receive a $200,000 guarantee and each home team will keep 100% of the ticket and concession sales. This series is great for football in Mississippi. Who doesn't like guaranteed sell outs, full hotels and restaurants booming with football fans? Wish the games could be sooner.
It would be nice to see the Big 3 add Mississippi's SWAC schools on a rotating basis as well. Both Southern Miss and Mississippi State have already tested the waters and have proved the sell outs and game day atmospheres are great for the game.
Southern Miss future schedules as of 9/24/09:
2010
9/2 at South Carolina
9/18 Kansas
9/25 at Louisiana Tech
TBD Southeastern Louisiana
2011
9/3 Louisiana Tech
9/24 at Virginia
11/12 at LSU
2012
9/1 at Nebraska
9/29 Louisville
2013
9/7 Nebraska
9/14 at Louisiana Tech
2014
8/30 at Mississippi State
9/6 Louisiana Tech
2015
9/5 Mississippi State
9/26 at Nebraska
2017
9/2 at Tennessee
The teams last met in 1990. Southern Miss leads the all-time series 14-12-1.
Each visiting team will receive a $200,000 guarantee and each home team will keep 100% of the ticket and concession sales. This series is great for football in Mississippi. Who doesn't like guaranteed sell outs, full hotels and restaurants booming with football fans? Wish the games could be sooner.
It would be nice to see the Big 3 add Mississippi's SWAC schools on a rotating basis as well. Both Southern Miss and Mississippi State have already tested the waters and have proved the sell outs and game day atmospheres are great for the game.
Southern Miss future schedules as of 9/24/09:
2010
9/2 at South Carolina
9/18 Kansas
9/25 at Louisiana Tech
TBD Southeastern Louisiana
2011
9/3 Louisiana Tech
9/24 at Virginia
11/12 at LSU
2012
9/1 at Nebraska
9/29 Louisville
2013
9/7 Nebraska
9/14 at Louisiana Tech
2014
8/30 at Mississippi State
9/6 Louisiana Tech
2015
9/5 Mississippi State
9/26 at Nebraska
2017
9/2 at Tennessee
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Mississippi State/Southern Miss Update
More details are starting to become clear regarding the renewal of the Mississippi State and Southern Miss football series. Those hoping the series will begin next year may be disappointed, as it is looking like the first game of the series will not be until 2014. More details will be available at noon tomorrow at the press conference being held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson.
Speaking of future schedules, we are two months away from the beginning of basketball season and Southern Miss fans have not seen a schedule yet. This must mean another weak home basketball schedule filled with NAIA opponents. If the athletic department is facing budgetary problems, a good way to earn some cash would be to have a good out of conference home basketball schedule. Fans, diehards or casual, will not spend money to watch Spring Hill, William Carey, etc. Getting to the post season wouldn't hurt either.
Speaking of future schedules, we are two months away from the beginning of basketball season and Southern Miss fans have not seen a schedule yet. This must mean another weak home basketball schedule filled with NAIA opponents. If the athletic department is facing budgetary problems, a good way to earn some cash would be to have a good out of conference home basketball schedule. Fans, diehards or casual, will not spend money to watch Spring Hill, William Carey, etc. Getting to the post season wouldn't hurt either.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update
Former Golden Eagle Robert Henderson has been added to Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He spent the 2008 season on IR with the New York Giants.
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 9/23/2009
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)
Robert Henderson (49) - Jacksonville Jaguars (Practice Squad)
Demar Dotson (69) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan McKee (69) - New York Jets (Practice Squad)
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Golden Eagles In The NFL Update - 9/23/2009
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)
Robert Henderson (49) - Jacksonville Jaguars (Practice Squad)
Demar Dotson (69) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan McKee (69) - New York Jets (Practice Squad)
Gerald McRath (51) - Tennessee Titans
Shawn Nelson (89) - Buffalo Bills
Conference USA Bowl Predictions Week Of September 21, 2009
Conference USA affiliated bowl projections for the week of September 21, 2009.
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: South Florida vs. East Carolina
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20th, New Orleans LA, 8 pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Central Florida vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24th, Honolulu HI, 8 pm, ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30th, Washington DC, 4:30 pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Minnesota
Texas Bowl
December 30th, Houston TX, NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31st, Fort Worth TX, TBD, ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN 5:30 pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Tennessee
St. Petersburg Bowl
December 19th, St. Petersburg FL, 8 pm, ESPN
Big East vs. C-USA
Projection: South Florida vs. East Carolina
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
December 20th, New Orleans LA, 8 pm ESPN
C-USA vs. Sun Belt No. 1
Projection: Central Florida vs. Troy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24th, Honolulu HI, 8 pm, ESPN
C-USA vs. WAC
Projection: Southern Miss vs. Fresno State
EagleBank Bowl
December 30th, Washington DC, 4:30 pm ESPN
ACC No. 8 vs. Army or C-USA or MAC or Big 10
Projection: Boston College vs. Minnesota
Texas Bowl
December 30th, Houston TX, NFL Network
Big 12 vs. Navy or C-USA
Projection: Texas A&M vs. Navy
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl
December 31st, Fort Worth TX, TBD, ESPN
Mountain West vs. C-USA
Projection: TCU vs. Tulsa
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, Memphis TN 5:30 pm ESPN
C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Projection: Houston vs. Tennessee
Future Schedule Update: Southern Miss and Mississippi State To Play Again?
A presser has been scheduled in Jackson tomorrow for what some believe will be an announcement of the renewal of the Southern Miss and Mississippi State football series. Over the past few weeks, there has been lots of speculation on whether the series would be a 2-1 or a 3-1 with most of the games in Starkville. It now appears that the series will be a 1-1 with a home game on each school's campus. It is unclear when the series will start, but there have been rumors that the first game will be in 2011 or 2012. More details will be available after tomorrow's press conference.
The Golden Eagles and Bulldogs have not played each other since 1990. USM leads the all-time series 14-12-1.
The Golden Eagles and Bulldogs have not played each other since 1990. USM leads the all-time series 14-12-1.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Quick Hits: Golden Eagles Come Back To Beat Cavaliers
After trailing 13-0 in the first quarter and 34-17 late in third quarter, Southern Miss rallied to beat the visiting Virginia Cavaliers 37-34.
Offensively, the Golden Eagles were lead by 100 plus yard rushing games from seniors Damian Fletcher and Tori Harrison. Fletcher is now the USM all-time touchdown leader with 40. Harrison scored the game winning touchdown on a reverse in the 4th quarter. Austin Davis did a good job managing the offense, but overall the passing game was shut down by UVA.
Defensively, the Golden Eagles showed improvement in the second half. The first half didn't really see much pressure on the Cavaliers quaterback, but that changed in the second half with multiple blitz packages. The defensive backfield gave up several big plays as well.
Special teams play was almost perfect. Freddie Parham's 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown sparked the Southern Miss rally in the second half. The punt game was solid and Tracy Lampley seems to have emerged as the best punt returner. The only negative note was a botched snap on a point after attempt for the second week in a row.
The comeback win over Virgina was one of the most exciting games in recent memory at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Improvement will be necessary in all three phases of the game as the Golden Eagles take to the road for the first time this year against the ranked Kansas Jayhawks of the Big 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 11am and the game will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Net.
Offensively, the Golden Eagles were lead by 100 plus yard rushing games from seniors Damian Fletcher and Tori Harrison. Fletcher is now the USM all-time touchdown leader with 40. Harrison scored the game winning touchdown on a reverse in the 4th quarter. Austin Davis did a good job managing the offense, but overall the passing game was shut down by UVA.
Defensively, the Golden Eagles showed improvement in the second half. The first half didn't really see much pressure on the Cavaliers quaterback, but that changed in the second half with multiple blitz packages. The defensive backfield gave up several big plays as well.
Special teams play was almost perfect. Freddie Parham's 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown sparked the Southern Miss rally in the second half. The punt game was solid and Tracy Lampley seems to have emerged as the best punt returner. The only negative note was a botched snap on a point after attempt for the second week in a row.
The comeback win over Virgina was one of the most exciting games in recent memory at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Improvement will be necessary in all three phases of the game as the Golden Eagles take to the road for the first time this year against the ranked Kansas Jayhawks of the Big 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 11am and the game will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Net.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Four Golden Eagles Named Playrer Of The Week, Jordan Suspended
Conference USA announced that four Southern Miss student athletes were named Players of the Week for performances last week. Golden Eagle volleyball players Ashley Mell and Kelsea Seymour earned Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week and Setter of the Week, respectively. Freddie Parham wide receiver and kick returner was named named Special Teams Player of the Week in football. Liz Hamlin was named the women's soccer Defensive Player of the Week.
Head coach Larry Fedora announced the indefinite suspension of wide receiver Justin Jordan. Jordan's suspension is a result of a violation of team rules. Many fans saw Jordan in an altercation with teammate Gerald West in the last few minutes of the Golden Eagles victory over Virginia. Jordan was also seen arguing with a coach after the game.
Head coach Larry Fedora announced the indefinite suspension of wide receiver Justin Jordan. Jordan's suspension is a result of a violation of team rules. Many fans saw Jordan in an altercation with teammate Gerald West in the last few minutes of the Golden Eagles victory over Virginia. Jordan was also seen arguing with a coach after the game.
Friday, September 18, 2009
USM-UVA On Saturday
The Virgina Cavaliers (0-2) will make their first appearance in Mississippi when the play Southern Miss (2-0) at M.M. Roberts Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Eagles are currently favored by 15.5 points. It will be interesting to see how USM matches up against UVA's size. The Cavalier offensive line averages 6'6" all weighing over 300lbs and the defensive line isn't far behind. Size alone may provide match up problems, but in the end Southern Miss should have the weapons to outlast Virginia.
Southern Miss 24 Virginia 20
Kick off is set for 2:30 and the game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports.
Southern Miss 24 Virginia 20
Kick off is set for 2:30 and the game will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Future Schedule Update: Southern Miss To Play South Carolina in 2010
Southern Miss athletic director Richard Giannini announced today that Southern Miss will travel to Columbia, SC to open the 2010 season against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The game will be the first television broadcast of the the season on Thursday, September 2. The game will be televised by ESPN. USM will receive $900,000 for the game.
The Golden Eagles were originally scheduled to play Southeastern Louisiana on the same weekend, but are in talks to move the game to a later date during the season or to another year.
Southern Miss also announced a schedule change for 2010, moving its scheduled 2010 game with LSU to the 2011 season at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on November 12. This was made possible by moving the Tennessee game from the 2011 to 2017 season.
2010
9/2 at South Carolina
9/18 Kansas
9/25 at Louisiana Tech
TBD Southeastern Louisiana
2011
9/3 Louisiana Tech
9/24 at Virginia
11/12 at LSU
2012
9/1 at Nebraska
9/29 Louisville
2013
9/7 Nebraska
9/14 at Louisiana Tech
2014
9/6 Louisiana Tech
2015
9/26 at Nebraska
2017
9/2 at Tennessee
The Golden Eagles were originally scheduled to play Southeastern Louisiana on the same weekend, but are in talks to move the game to a later date during the season or to another year.
Southern Miss also announced a schedule change for 2010, moving its scheduled 2010 game with LSU to the 2011 season at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on November 12. This was made possible by moving the Tennessee game from the 2011 to 2017 season.
2010
9/2 at South Carolina
9/18 Kansas
9/25 at Louisiana Tech
TBD Southeastern Louisiana
2011
9/3 Louisiana Tech
9/24 at Virginia
11/12 at LSU
2012
9/1 at Nebraska
9/29 Louisville
2013
9/7 Nebraska
9/14 at Louisiana Tech
2014
9/6 Louisiana Tech
2015
9/26 at Nebraska
2017
9/2 at Tennessee
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
M-Club to Induct 2009 Hall of Fame Class Friday Night
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi M-Club Alumni Association will formally induct its Class of 2009 on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Thad Cochran Center on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi. The social begins at 6 p.m., in the Touchdown Terrace in the South end zone of Robert Stadium followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m.
The M-Club is the University's association of former athletic letter winners and consists of former players, coaches, trainers, managers and cheerleaders.
The 2009 Hall of Fame inductees include Jim Carmody (Assistant Football Coach, 1978-1980, Head Football Coach, 1982-1987), Erin Doyle-Packer (Women's Golf 1997-2000), Lyman "Pokey" Faggard (Track and Field, 1954-57), Marchant Kenny (Football, 1994-97), Louis D. (Maggie) Megehee (Football 1928-1929), and Lee Roberts (Football, 1994-98).
Jim Carmody joined the Southern Miss football coaching staff as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator in 1978 and remained in that position until 1980, when he left to coach the defense line for the Buffalo Bills for the 1981 season. He returned to become head coach of the Golden Eagles in 1982 replacing Bobby Collins and remained until 1987. During his time as defensive coordinator he became leader of the "Nasty Bunch" defense and established the Golden Eagle defense as one of the best in the country. His 1980 defense unit ranked 10th in the country in total defense allowing just 254.6 yards per game and third in passing defense allowing just 94.8 yards per game. Among his many accomplishments was defeating Alabama and Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant 38-29 in 1982, snapping the Crimson Tide's 56-game home winning streak.
Erin Doyle-Packer was a four-year letter winner for the Lady Eagles who was selected to the all-Conference USA team in 2000. She was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-American second team following that senior season. Her career stroke average was 80.39 for 113 career rounds. Doyle-Packer captured the championship of the UALR Trojan Classic during the 1998-1999 season and had 16 top 15 finishes during her career. In 1997-98 she had five top 15 finishes that included a tie for 5th at the Memphis Lady Tiger Invitational.
Lyman (Pokey) Faggard was as a four-year letterman in track and field from 1954 to 1957. He specialized in the low and high hurdles for Coach C.E. McCarver. In addition to the hurdles he ran the 100-yard and 220-yard sprints and was a top performer on the relay teams. Faggard was ranked nationally in the 220-yard low hurdles during his collegiate career and as a senior he was named team captain. He was the school's first four-year letter winner in track and field and claimed the distinction of being the only hurdler to mar the excellent record of LSU's Southeastern Conference champion Harry Carpenter. His best time in the low hurdles was 23.7 seconds and his best performance in the low hurdles was 14.9 seconds, both school records at the time. He led the team in points scored all four seasons in which he competed.
Marchant Kenney was a four-year letterman for the Golden Eagles from 1994 to 1997. He saw action as a reserve linebacker and a key member of the special teams as a freshman and finished the year with 66 tackles, eight tackles for losses, a quarterback sack, an interception and recovered three fumbles. Kenney moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore and finished third on the team in tackles with 93 and had eight tackles for losses, a quarterback sack and deflected five passes. He led the team in tackles as a junior with 141and had 17 tackles for losses, three quarterback sacks, recovered two fumbles and had an interception. As a senior he finished the season with 106 tackles with 13 tackles for losses, two quarterback sacks and an interception and finished his career with 406 tackles, 46 tackles for losses, seven quarterback sacks and three interceptions. He was named first team all-Conference USA in 1996 and 1997.
Louis D. (Maggie) Megehee transferred to what was then State Teachers College in the fall of 1928 and quickly established himself as one of the finest kickers and ends in the early football history of the school during the 1928 and 1929 seasons His booming punts are legendary and according to The Student Printz, the school newspaper included a number of punts that sailed 70-yard or more and one that was reported to be 85-yards in 1929 against Mississippi College. Sportswriters around the state and region regularly reported on his ability as a punter and drop kicker. In addition to football, Megehee was a starting forward on the basketball team as well as the starting first baseman on the baseball team.
Lee Roberts was a four-year letterman for the Golden Eagles from 1995 to 1998 and the starting quarterback from 1996 to 1998. He was a second team all-Conference USA selection in 1996. As a freshman (1995) he completed eight of 15 passes for 65 yards, then became the starter in the sixth game of the 1996 season and finished the year completing 86 of 142 passes for 1296 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a junior he completed 194 of 350 passes for 2,248 yards and 16 touchdowns, while in 1998 he completed 185 of 325 passes for 2,680 yards and 24touchdowns. He would finish his career completing 473 of 832 passes for 6,289 yards (4th best in school history) and 52 touchdowns (tied for first in school history). He would serve as one of the captains of the 1998 team and play on the 1996 and 1997 Conference USA championship teams. He helped to lead the Golden Eagles to 1997 Liberty Bowl and 1998 Humanitarian Bowl.
The M-Club Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame inducted its charter class in 1965 and the 2009 class will be the 46th group to join the prestigious collection of all-time athletic greats.
Article courtesy of Southern Miss Sports Information Office (SouthernMiss.com)
The M-Club is the University's association of former athletic letter winners and consists of former players, coaches, trainers, managers and cheerleaders.
The 2009 Hall of Fame inductees include Jim Carmody (Assistant Football Coach, 1978-1980, Head Football Coach, 1982-1987), Erin Doyle-Packer (Women's Golf 1997-2000), Lyman "Pokey" Faggard (Track and Field, 1954-57), Marchant Kenny (Football, 1994-97), Louis D. (Maggie) Megehee (Football 1928-1929), and Lee Roberts (Football, 1994-98).
Jim Carmody joined the Southern Miss football coaching staff as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator in 1978 and remained in that position until 1980, when he left to coach the defense line for the Buffalo Bills for the 1981 season. He returned to become head coach of the Golden Eagles in 1982 replacing Bobby Collins and remained until 1987. During his time as defensive coordinator he became leader of the "Nasty Bunch" defense and established the Golden Eagle defense as one of the best in the country. His 1980 defense unit ranked 10th in the country in total defense allowing just 254.6 yards per game and third in passing defense allowing just 94.8 yards per game. Among his many accomplishments was defeating Alabama and Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant 38-29 in 1982, snapping the Crimson Tide's 56-game home winning streak.
Erin Doyle-Packer was a four-year letter winner for the Lady Eagles who was selected to the all-Conference USA team in 2000. She was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-American second team following that senior season. Her career stroke average was 80.39 for 113 career rounds. Doyle-Packer captured the championship of the UALR Trojan Classic during the 1998-1999 season and had 16 top 15 finishes during her career. In 1997-98 she had five top 15 finishes that included a tie for 5th at the Memphis Lady Tiger Invitational.
Lyman (Pokey) Faggard was as a four-year letterman in track and field from 1954 to 1957. He specialized in the low and high hurdles for Coach C.E. McCarver. In addition to the hurdles he ran the 100-yard and 220-yard sprints and was a top performer on the relay teams. Faggard was ranked nationally in the 220-yard low hurdles during his collegiate career and as a senior he was named team captain. He was the school's first four-year letter winner in track and field and claimed the distinction of being the only hurdler to mar the excellent record of LSU's Southeastern Conference champion Harry Carpenter. His best time in the low hurdles was 23.7 seconds and his best performance in the low hurdles was 14.9 seconds, both school records at the time. He led the team in points scored all four seasons in which he competed.
Marchant Kenney was a four-year letterman for the Golden Eagles from 1994 to 1997. He saw action as a reserve linebacker and a key member of the special teams as a freshman and finished the year with 66 tackles, eight tackles for losses, a quarterback sack, an interception and recovered three fumbles. Kenney moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore and finished third on the team in tackles with 93 and had eight tackles for losses, a quarterback sack and deflected five passes. He led the team in tackles as a junior with 141and had 17 tackles for losses, three quarterback sacks, recovered two fumbles and had an interception. As a senior he finished the season with 106 tackles with 13 tackles for losses, two quarterback sacks and an interception and finished his career with 406 tackles, 46 tackles for losses, seven quarterback sacks and three interceptions. He was named first team all-Conference USA in 1996 and 1997.
Louis D. (Maggie) Megehee transferred to what was then State Teachers College in the fall of 1928 and quickly established himself as one of the finest kickers and ends in the early football history of the school during the 1928 and 1929 seasons His booming punts are legendary and according to The Student Printz, the school newspaper included a number of punts that sailed 70-yard or more and one that was reported to be 85-yards in 1929 against Mississippi College. Sportswriters around the state and region regularly reported on his ability as a punter and drop kicker. In addition to football, Megehee was a starting forward on the basketball team as well as the starting first baseman on the baseball team.
Lee Roberts was a four-year letterman for the Golden Eagles from 1995 to 1998 and the starting quarterback from 1996 to 1998. He was a second team all-Conference USA selection in 1996. As a freshman (1995) he completed eight of 15 passes for 65 yards, then became the starter in the sixth game of the 1996 season and finished the year completing 86 of 142 passes for 1296 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a junior he completed 194 of 350 passes for 2,248 yards and 16 touchdowns, while in 1998 he completed 185 of 325 passes for 2,680 yards and 24touchdowns. He would finish his career completing 473 of 832 passes for 6,289 yards (4th best in school history) and 52 touchdowns (tied for first in school history). He would serve as one of the captains of the 1998 team and play on the 1996 and 1997 Conference USA championship teams. He helped to lead the Golden Eagles to 1997 Liberty Bowl and 1998 Humanitarian Bowl.
The M-Club Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame inducted its charter class in 1965 and the 2009 class will be the 46th group to join the prestigious collection of all-time athletic greats.
Article courtesy of Southern Miss Sports Information Office (SouthernMiss.com)