HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss football team held the first scrimmage of the spring season on Sunday, working through a two-hour practice at M.M. Roberts Stadium.

The Golden Eagles went through approximately 120 plays, including goal-line work and third-down situations, and Head Coach Jeff Bower was a bit displeased with the overall performance -- particularly on the offensive end.

"I was disappointed with how we did on offense," Bower said. "We made a lot of mistakes, put the ball on the ground and turned the ball over. It just wasn't a very good day on offense. The defense did a nice job. They created some turnovers and played well. I really thought we would be better on offense than what we were. We had been better up until this point, but this is the worst day we've had on offense."

The scrimmage was the first of three for the spring season. After starting out on a strong note, the day got progressively worse for the offense.

"We should be better," Bower said. "We got off to a decent start and made some plays, and then the longer we went, it didn't get any better. We didn't score, and we dropped some passes. It just didn't look like we were up to it mentally on offense. The defense got excited and made plays, and that makes a difference."

The offense didn't score in the regular period, but did manage four scores during the goal-line period.

Offensively, running backs Larry Thomas and Cody Hull shared the majority of the snaps, finishing with six carries each for 17 and 26 yards, respectively. Anthony Harris added five yards on a pair of rushes. C.J. Barrows led all rushers with 60 yards on 11 carries, most of them coming against the second team. Tony Miner added 13 carries for three yards.

Quarterback Dustin Almond finished with 59 yards on 7-of-22 passing and had one interception, while Jeremy Young finished with 37 yards on 2-of-8 passing. Travis Clark finished with no completions on seven attempts.

Damion Carter and Tavarres Williams each had two receptions to lead all receivers, for 26 and 15 yards, respectively. Tight end Shawn Nelson had the longest catch of the day, on a 29-yard reception from Young.

On defense, Kevis Coley and Brandon Sumrall led the first unit with five total tackles, while John Eubanks added four total tackles. Chaz Richards (seven tackles) and Gerald McRath (four assists) led the second and third units. Coley, Akeem Lockett, Eubanks and Robert Henderson all had sacks in the scrimmage, while Sumrall had the lone assist.

The Golden Eagles now take Monday off before returning to the field on Tuesday. The spring season concludes with the annual Black and Gold Spring Game on Saturday, April 16.

I just hope the offense can produce better this year. I like Almond, but think he needs to be more consistent. The new OC has to design plays so Almond can get rid of the ball quickly (like to the TEs or RBs). That way Almond doesnt have to force anything down the field.


Just my opinion. What do u think?

I agree Hamburgler--I hope Almond can stay consistant---I hope that we will use a two back system so that we can give Almond some blocking protection--- I do hope that we can run a wide open offence and open the game up more--some of the conservative play calling that Coach Bower runs sometimes drives me up the wall!--Play to win!!! I also hope that our defence can come together after losing Coach Nix to South Carolina--I will miss his firery style of defense--I do wish Coach Nix the best of luck at South Carolina.


GO EAGLES :wave:

You are right, Hot_Gold. The offensive line has to give him so protection. I like the wide-open style of offense as well. However, I dont know how speedy the receivers are. If they are quick, then we should go long on a lot of plays. If not, some crossing patterns or curl plays would be good. I like the idea of using the tight ends more. It seems like we used Bobby Garner a lot when he was there. Almond needs all the options he can get on the field to be more effective. I think the more options he has and a good offensive line equals a decent season.


I think our defense will stil good. Hopson is a good coach. Thompson and Nix will do a good job at SC. I hope they can beat Auburn and possibly win that division.