While 2007 was an off year for Jack Bauer and CTU, it is set up to be perhaps a memorable year for Jeff Bower and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagles are the class of Conference USA, which is still reeling from the departures of Louisville and Cincinnati in 2005. If Bower’s team can run the table in C-USA two opportunities for eye-opening wins in the non-conference schedule, road games at Tennessee and at Boise State. Wins in both of those games could get the attention of the BCS, but with a head coach with the last name Bower, it’s hard to rank them anywhere else.
Projected Record and Bowl Result: 11-2, Beat Kansas State* in Liberty Bowl
Who they’ll beat: Tennessee-Martin (Home), East Carolina (Road), Rice (Home), SMU (Home), Marshall (Road), UCF (Home), UAB (Road), Memphis (Home), UTEP (Road), Arkansas State (Home), Kansas State* (Memphis, TN)
Who’ll beat them: Tennessee (Road), Boise State (Road)
When they Pass: Senior Jeremy Young is a dual threat to pass and run but that ability was stifled by a turf toe injury last year. His favorite target will be NFL prospect Tight End Shawn Nelson.
When they Run: Damion Fletcher is the best Running Back you haven’t heard of, next year he’ll be the most overrated Running Back you’ll have heard enough about. Fletcher was All-Freshman last year but lacks blazing speed to launch himself to a dark-horse Heisman candidacy.
When their Opponents Run: Returning all linebackers and four linemen in Conference USA gives the Golden Eagles, an advantage over just about every team they’ll play in conference, an ability to stop the run.
When their Opponents Pass: Expect opponents especially in conference to test Michael McGee and Eddie Willingham the two new cornerbacks they will have experience behind them however with two seniors playing the safeties.
When they Kick: Britt Barefoot (really, that’s his name) will be doing the kicking and punting.
When they call Timeout: Bower will win by doing two things; running the ball and stopping the run and it should be successful this year as it has be the past 13 winning seasons.
*Qualifier to fill slot unable to be filled by SEC team
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