Eagles determined not to overlook UL-Lafayette

Southern Miss will open up the 2008 football season Saturday against theLouisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns.

Though they are going into the game as heavyfavorites, Head Coach Larry Fedora and the Golden Eagles are not taking anythingfor granted.

"Early in the season, who knows where we're going to be as a team," said Coach Fedora. "We haven't been on the field one time as a defense, offense and special teams. When you start breaking us down and look at how many guys have actually been in a football game, it's not a lot, and it's a scary deal.

"How are they going to react? As many situations as we try to put them in to simulate a game, you can't quite simulate the real thing."

Asked if the team may be looking past UL-Lafayette to the Auburn Tigers next week, Fedora joked,"I don't think our guys even know who they're playing next weekend."

When looking at the matchups on the field against the Rajin' Cajuns, the Golden Eagles only have one glaring disadvantage going into the 6 p.m. Saturday kickoff at the Rock: no experience at quarterback. The Ragin' Cajuns are returning Michael Desormeaux who passed and rushed for over 1000 yards last season, while USM will start either Demetrius Young or Austin Davis who have a grand total of one pass attempt at the college level between them.

"I have confidence in both of them if it comes down to it," said Damion Fletcher. "They could both get in there and produce."

"We haven't really named a starter yet," said Coach Fedora. "We've got to do that pretty soon as far as who is going to start this game and just see what happens from there."

The Golden Eagles return only 9 starters total and just 3 on defense. With no returning starters on the defensive line, it will likely be a busy day for the linebackers as the Cajuns depend heavily on the run. RB Tyrell Fenroy is a powerful north and south runner returning for UL-Lafayette.

With the new philosophy and proven players Torris McGee, Damion Fletcher and Shawn Nelson on offense, Saturday's matchup against last year's 104th ranked total defense potentially sets up to be a high scoring game for the Golden Eagles. Coach Fedora plans on getting highly touted recruit DeAndre Brown into the game early to have an impact as soon as possible.