Conference-USA is not a member of the Bowl Championship Series. In fact, each of its 12 member institutions that play football are against the wall, so to speak. Each must continue to strive for an undefeated season for a chance to play in the coveted games affectionately known as the BCS. It’s not impossible, with Boise State and Hawai’i earning a BCS bid out of the Western Athletic Conference the last few seasons. With the emergence of Central Florida and the continued dominance of Southern Mississippi, C-USA continues to be proactive. A partnership that continues with extensive game coverage on CBS College Sports and C-USA All Access, the conference must continue to expose itself as much as it can. With Houston, East Carolina and Tulsa having successful seasons last year, C-USA continues to put quality teams in bowls each year. The trend must continue for C-USA to make a play for the committee to give the conference a nod if, and when, the BCS committee come calling.
With fall practice in full force, fans in the state of Mississippi are wondering if Mississippi defensive tackle Jerrell Powe will be in game condition and how Wesley Carroll, Mississippi State quarterback, is progressing. Well, not everyone. First year head coach at Southern Mississippi Larry Fedora could care in the least. In fact, he has enough to worry about. He must direct a team that will bring USM fans to the games and fill newly remodeled Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. He must show Director of Athletics, Richard Giannini, he made a wise choice. He must cease the naysayers when prompted about former head coach Jeff Bower. Like I said, Fedora could care not and USM is the only school that matters. His objectives are likely to be met, with results coming sooner than later.
To use a football term, the marketing department is in an all out “blitz.” With numerous television and radio advertisements, the Golden Eagles are taking a step up to continue the buzz surrounding the hire of Fedora. USM has been known as a defensive juggernaut. Fedora hopes the offense will respond in kind. It all begins with sophomore running back Damion Fletcher. The Conference-USA Preseason Player of the Year, Fletcher with be the stalwart in the backfield, amassing 1,388 rushing yards on 276 carries last season. Whether or not Fedora will elect to use a two-quarterback system is yet to be seen, he has talented freshmen quarterbacks in Austin Davis and Martevious Young to choose from. One name to remember is receiver DeAndre Brown. The incoming freshman toiled with suitors Florida, LSU and Ole Miss but chose the Golden Eagles instead. All-American tight end Shawn Nelson has caught the eye of numerous NFL scouts and will be relied upon by both quarterbacks for production.
New defensive coordinator Todd Bradford has a monumental hill to climb. The former Oklahoma State linebackers coach must rebuild a USM defense that was decimated by graduation. The process begins around returning C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Gerald McGrath. The junior logged in 139 tackles last season and will be counted on to lead a defense that returns only three starters. With a date with the Auburn Tigers the second week of the season, USM should be 4-1 heading into a home date with Boise State.
Fedora has coined the phrase, “Sound the Attack.” If the attack hasn’t already begun after the opening game against UL-Lafayette, expect the Eagles to rekindle the magic the likes of Favre and Collier so effortlessly graced the USM nation with on October 11th when the Broncos of Boise come to town. With the players, coaches, administration and fan base in accord, Larry Fedora could indeed get his wish. A raucous, sold out, M.M. Roberts Stadium. Only time will tell.
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