University of Southern Mississippi

Type of Offense: Spread.  Zone read running plays and nearly all passing plays from the shotgun formation.  There is rare to no use of a fullback.  Tight End is used primarily as a blocking back (extra OL).  Nearly all runs are made by the RB and QB save the occasional end around with the WR.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 
 
• Run/Pass %: 54/46
• Run/Pass Attempts: 559/471
• Points Per Game: 36.8
• Points Allowed Per Game: 29.5

Key Returning Players:
• Kendrick Hardy, RB: Leading returning rusher from 2010 with 903 yards and 7 TDs to go along with 8 catches last season. Will be expected to step up and take some pressure off the quarterback and get closer to 1100 yards in 2011.
• Jamie Collins, LB: Leading returning tackler from a defense that had some trouble stopping teams in 2010. He had 76 tackles, 3 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Chris Briggs, WR: This 3 star wide receiver from Louisiana is 6-4 and 185 pounds making him a good solid target in the spread offense. He has the chance to score some TDs with his size in the red zone and ability to get after jump balls on the fade pattern.
• Michael Briggs, DE: This 3 star defensive end from Mississippi is 6-4 285 pounds but is agile enough to run a 4.8 40 yard dash making him a mixture of speed and power on the edge. Could be capable of double digit sack seasons before he leaves Southern Miss. 

Overall Assessment:
The Golden Eagles had an 8-5 season in 2010 that could have been much better with a few bounces of the ball. 4 of the losses were by a combined 11 points (1 point, 1 point, 3 points, and 6 points). The only team that took them to the wood shed was SEC East winner South Carolina in the season opener. The OOC schedule is manageable with Louisiana Tech, Southeastern Louisiana, Virginia, and Navy. No Houston or SMU on the schedule should help as well. Best case scenario is to win 2 or 3 of the ball bounce games and putting in a 10-3 season in 2011. Overall, a bowl game is extremely likely but which bowl game is dependent on the ability to close out games.