Southern Miss lost to Middle Tenn. State last night in the New Orleans Bowl 42 – 32. The Eagles finish the season with the same record as last year; 7 Wins to 6 losses. I love coach Fedora and the enthusiasm he has brought to Hattiesburg good, but there are some bad, and some ugly issues that need to be addressed.
The Good
For years the Eagle nation had become board with our offense; well no more. Our offense is more explosive that it has ever been and both the score board and our statistics show this to be a fact.
Another favorable note is recruiting. We are getting players that, in years past, would have passed up Southern Miss for SEC schools. Fedora has done a good job is this area.
The Bad
One word “Defense”. Yes, as fans, we wanted an Offense; but wanted to keep a decent defense. Well out defense has been pathetic all year. The defenses coached by John Thompson, Dave Womack, and Tyrone Nix are no longer here. I know we had some great players back then, but I believe it’s the defensive system that’s are problem now. I’ve been displeased all year by the lack of adjustments we make on the Defensive side of the ball. We seem to go in with a game plan defensively and never changing it; even if it’s not working. To me the loss to UAB was the lowest part of the Season.
The Ugly
As much as I hate to admit it and wished it weren’t true; we are not a very disciplined football team. There is a looseness about the players that translates into missed tackles (tons), missed kicks (too many) and missed opportunities on offense. I hope we can clean these up.
So My Hopes for Next Year Are:
- Austin Davis back at QB at 100%
- A New Defensive Package (read between the lines)
- A unit to make extra points and field goals
