HN caught up with Rivals crew over at Big Gold Nation (@BigGoldNation) to preview Saturday's game:
Obviously the big news out of Hattiesburg is the decision to move on from Will Hall. Talk a little bit about your thoughts on that decision and how the general vibe around the program feels right now.
This is a results driven business. When you don't win, you are held accountable. Will was 14-30 in 3 1/2 seasons with only one winning seasons in 2022 (7-6) with a bowl win over Rice who ended up 5-7. Those numbers aren't acceptable anywhere, especially in Hattiesburg. In many ways Will cleaned up the program. He got the culture turned around, graduation rates are up, and he really emphasized the NIL to make it one of the best in the SBC. Yet losing seasons, lack of development, and diminished fan interest doomed his tenure. The team is continuing to prepare and keep a positive attitude. Everyone is looking towards who Jeremy McClain will name the next HC.
Can you point to one thing that's been the biggest reason for USM's 1-7 start?
Lack of development on the offensive line and defensive front. The O-Line at the G-6 is a developmental position and one that needs to be built through the JUCO system and portal. The last 2 seasons it has been horrific at Southern Miss. In fact, some may say it has regressed since even last season. Defensively, the Nasty Bunch has not been nasty in a few seasons, ever since Austin Armstrong (current DC at UF) left. It is too easy to run the ball on USM and lack of a pass rush has allowed for opposing quarterbacks to carve up the secondary.
Where do you think USM might have an edge on Saturday? What are the keys for the Golden Eagles to win the game, and who do you think can be an X-factor for them?
To be honest, I am not sure there is a position that USM is better than Marshall at right now. I do believe there has been a lot of promise shown by many underclassmen - especially at RB, QB, LB, and in the secondary. If those guys continue to grow and the veterans finally show the promise most thought we would see this season, who knows what could happen. Remember, many in the media thought the USM DL would be one of the best units in the SBC. Yet, they really haven't played anywhere to that potential. However, they did play much better against JMU. Perhaps they could grow on that.
Who or what about this Marshall squad worries you?
Marshall's ability to stop the run and their ability to run the football. USM has had issues in both areas this season. Marshall has much more to play for at this point. It's going to be a massive hill to climb, but the game is in The Rock. Stranger things have happened in the past.
Score Prediction? How does the game play out?
I don't see a scenario in which Southern Miss pulls out a win here, but who knows. A fumble here, tipped pass there, and blown assignment could keep this one relatively close. However, I think the Herd comes into Hattiesburg and picks up the win 28-13.
Obviously the big news out of Hattiesburg is the decision to move on from Will Hall. Talk a little bit about your thoughts on that decision and how the general vibe around the program feels right now.
This is a results driven business. When you don't win, you are held accountable. Will was 14-30 in 3 1/2 seasons with only one winning seasons in 2022 (7-6) with a bowl win over Rice who ended up 5-7. Those numbers aren't acceptable anywhere, especially in Hattiesburg. In many ways Will cleaned up the program. He got the culture turned around, graduation rates are up, and he really emphasized the NIL to make it one of the best in the SBC. Yet losing seasons, lack of development, and diminished fan interest doomed his tenure. The team is continuing to prepare and keep a positive attitude. Everyone is looking towards who Jeremy McClain will name the next HC.
Can you point to one thing that's been the biggest reason for USM's 1-7 start?
Lack of development on the offensive line and defensive front. The O-Line at the G-6 is a developmental position and one that needs to be built through the JUCO system and portal. The last 2 seasons it has been horrific at Southern Miss. In fact, some may say it has regressed since even last season. Defensively, the Nasty Bunch has not been nasty in a few seasons, ever since Austin Armstrong (current DC at UF) left. It is too easy to run the ball on USM and lack of a pass rush has allowed for opposing quarterbacks to carve up the secondary.
Where do you think USM might have an edge on Saturday? What are the keys for the Golden Eagles to win the game, and who do you think can be an X-factor for them?
To be honest, I am not sure there is a position that USM is better than Marshall at right now. I do believe there has been a lot of promise shown by many underclassmen - especially at RB, QB, LB, and in the secondary. If those guys continue to grow and the veterans finally show the promise most thought we would see this season, who knows what could happen. Remember, many in the media thought the USM DL would be one of the best units in the SBC. Yet, they really haven't played anywhere to that potential. However, they did play much better against JMU. Perhaps they could grow on that.
Who or what about this Marshall squad worries you?
Marshall's ability to stop the run and their ability to run the football. USM has had issues in both areas this season. Marshall has much more to play for at this point. It's going to be a massive hill to climb, but the game is in The Rock. Stranger things have happened in the past.
Score Prediction? How does the game play out?
I don't see a scenario in which Southern Miss pulls out a win here, but who knows. A fumble here, tipped pass there, and blown assignment could keep this one relatively close. However, I think the Herd comes into Hattiesburg and picks up the win 28-13.
