Eagles get defensive in win

The Southern Miss defense got back to it’s Nasty Bunch heritage in the team’s 43-6 win over Tulane in the “Battle of the Bell” on Saturday.

Tulane was held to six points in the game, along with 54 rushing yards and 1.6 yards per carry, 158 yards passing, and 212 total offensive yards.

“I would have to say this is the most complete game (defensively) that we have put together this season,” Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora said. “(Tulane running back Andre) Anderson and (receiver Jeremy) Williams both had under 100 yards and that was two of our goals coming into the game.”

In addition to shutting down Tulane’s primary weapons, the defense was able to take the ball out of their hands early and often. 

“Defensively, we got after it and created a bunch of turnovers,” the second year head coach said. “We went into the game saying we needed to create at least three turnovers and add more possessions because we thought they would grind the clock on us. Our defense did a heck of a job.”

But the team did better than Fedora expected, and finished the game with three fumbles recovered, one for a touchdown, an interception, as well as a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown by freshman safety Jamie Collins.

“Coach (Bradford) always talks about getting to the ball,” Collins said. “I was on the blitz, so I had to peel back and get to the ball. I have to play hard for the team.”

Two defensive players shone brightest, with linebacker Korey Williams racking up 11 tackles, one for a loss, one sack and a fumble recovery, while defensive end Terrence Conner finished with four tackles, three for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

“I tried (the spin move) tonight and it turned out pretty good,” said Conner. “This is the best we have played. We had five turnovers. This is our best performance so far.”

The defense’s performance wasn’t lost on USM’s offensive players, who gave all the credit to their counterpart.

“It’s big for our defense,” said wide receiver DeAndre Brown, who himself had a pair of touchdown catches. “They’ve been practicing real hard. They came out and played their game, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them.”

The Eagles did it all without the help defensive end Roshaad Byrd and nickel corner back Micheal McGee, who are both sidelined with season-ending injuries. But they’ll have their work cut out for them if they want to continue to have success against the high-flying Houston offense this weekend in what has turned into a huge conference game.

“Its’ the biggest game we’ve played,” said Collins. “They’re ranked and they are tough. We know we have to play hard.”