2009 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Predictions
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Larry Fedora, 2nd year (7-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darrell Wyatt (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Todd Bradford (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense, 8 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Austin Davis)

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Offense: Austin Davis returns at quarterback after a record-breaking freshman season. He threw for 3,128 yards and 23 touchdown playing in the no-huddle spread attack. They also return senior RB Damion Fletcher, who led the conference in rushing with 1,313 yards but he was suspended in the spring and worked hard to get back in Larry Fedora’s good graces. At receiver, sophomore DeAndre Brown (6-6, 228) returns after leading all freshman in receiving with 1,117 yards, while scoring 12 touchdowns. He also missed spring ball after breaking his leg in their bowl game against Troy (30-27 win). The offensive line returns four starters and is a major strength.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 24.1ppg (54th in the nation) and 366.1 yards per game (65th in the nation). They did lose star LB Gerald McRath, a first-team all-league pick who left early for the NFL. Junior Anthony Gray (6-0, 301) returns at tackle, while sophomore Deddrick Jones (6-3, 242) is back at end. Martez Smith (6-0, 211), a hard-hitter at linebacker, returns for his junior season. They also add Hendrick Leverette (5-10, 221), a transfer from Pearl River (Miss.) Community College to compete for the job in the middle. The secondary returns an experienced crew, led by safeties Eddie Hicks (4 INTs) and Justin Wilson (4 INTs).

Outlook: The schedule is pretty tough as they open with Alcorn State, UCF and Virginia at home and then takes on Kansas on the road. They also face Louisville on the road in mid-October. The East divsion may be decided when they take on East Carolina on the road at the end of the season. This team is loaded, not just on offense, but the defense is also strong enough to make them a contender. They are a certain bowl team this year.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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