2009 Southern Miss Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on June 24, 2009

southern miss 62409 The Southern Miss Golden Eagles started the 2008 season just 2-6 but rallied with four straight wins down the home stretch to become bowl eligible. They capped off their amazing turnaround with an exciting overtime win over Troy in the New Orleans Bowl. Are the Eagles now ready to challenge for a Conference USA East title? Get my take in this 2009 football betting preview.

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Offense – While the Golden Eagles typically field a strong defense, we could see them emerge as one of the league’s top offensive teams in 2009 thanks to how quickly sophomore QB Austin Davis has grasped the spread. Davis passed for 3,128 yards and 23 touchdowns against only eight interceptions in his freshman season. He’ll be joined in the backfield by running back Damion Fletcher. Fletcher already holds the school’s career rushing mark with 4,287 yards and he will look to make it four straight 1,000-yard campaigns when the season kicks off in early September. Wide receiver DeAndre Brown will be Davis’ primary target once again. Brown is coming off a season in which he caught 67 passes for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns. The sophomore will be making a run at Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year honors this fall. An offense which ranked 20th in the country in yards per game (433.5) and 31st in scoring (30.6) in 2008 all starts with an offensive line that returns five players with considerable experience.

Defense – Junior defensive tackle Anthony Gray is coming off a season in which he earned 2nd-team all-league honors behind six sacks and two forced fumbles. He anchors the defensive front and will likely be joined by Rolando Barragan on the interior and Deddrick Jones and Roshaad Byrd on the outside. Losing linebacker Gerald McRath to the NFL early deals the defense a big blow in terms of talent and leadership. His departure puts a lot of pressure on Korey Williams, Ronnie Thornton and Martez Smith to step up. The secondary will be a strength for the Golden Eagles as four starters return, including safety Eddie Hicks. Hicks was a second-team all-league performer in 2008 behind a four-interception campaign. The program also expects big things from safety Chico Hunter, who is the team’s top returning tackler.

Prediction: 2nd Conference USA East – The Eagles have the talent to make a run at a Conference USA East title, but a tough schedule could stand in their way. The Eagles must play defending league champ East Carolina on the road and you can bet the Pirates will be out for blood after getting crushed 21-3 in Hattiesburg last season. They must also visit the high-powered Houston Cougars, who figure to put the most dominant offense in the conference on the field. The Eagles likely come up just short of their title goal, but they should be bowling again. We should see some value in making football picks on Southern Miss this season. Take advantage of our special $500 match bonus at BetUS!

Put your trust in Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks for another season in the black!

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