THE
S TUDENT PRINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
Thursday, August 21, 2014
ON CAMPUS
Volume 99 Issue 1
Campus revamped:
the construction continues Mary Sergeant
Printz Reporter & Photographer The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus has undergone extensive construction since the February 2013 tornado that damaged the front of campus. This setback did not stop administration from continuing several projects that will not only benefit current students and faculty, but will benefit future golden eagles in decades to come. Century Park North, currently the newest residence hall community in the state, was opened August 2010. This August, the freshman class of 2018 was the first to set up house in Century Park South. The new Century Park, as many current students are calling it, is located across the street from what was dubbed the old Century Park. This community of residence halls contains three buildings, two of which are fully completed. The two completed buildings welcomed new students on August 15 and 16 for movein day. Century Park South is very similar to Century Park North. There are several differences that have been made to help better the university. CP South has a specific building dedicated to Luckyday Scholars. This will allow for Luckyday members to closely work with their fellow scholars and mentors. Also, CP South will contain a new student health facility, Moffitt Health Center, in the third and final building. This improvement to campus will allow Student Health Services to reach its utmost
3
Jessica King/ Printz Photographer Two of the three new residence halls in the Century Park South complex are now open and home to approximately 500 students. The third hall will contain a new student health clinic that will open for the spring semester in January 2015.
potential and will also enable it to service students and faculty more effectively, privately and efficiently. This last building is scheduled to open January 2015. Another new addition to the campus is Asbury Hall. This building will be the new home to one of the university’s most prestigious and wellknown colleges, the College of Nursing. The fundraising campaign for the new facility began January 2012. One of the first and largest donations was made by the Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg, with $4 million being donated to the campaign.
NEWS
Faculty Campus administration makes several adjustments.
4
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation hopes to reach its goal of $8 million. Recently, HMP Nursing Services Inc. donated $125,000 to the campaign. “HMP Nursing is proud of USM and its many accomplishments,” said HMP Nursing Services Director Jay Slaughter, according to a USM press release. “The new College of Nursing Building is just an example of the growth and prosperity of the University.” Of the company’s donation, $100,000 will go toward the funding for Asbury Hall and $25,000 will create a scholarship under the names
FEATURE Freshmen Survival Guide Necessary items for a smooth semester.
5
of Mike and Janet McElroy, owners and founders of HMP Nursing. The South Mississippi Home Health Foundation also made a large donation toward the Nursing Building Campaign. Their $400,000 donation has taken fundraising above a total of $6 million. “The College of Nursing at Southern Miss is one of the cornerstones for professional nursing education in Mississippi, and the construction of a new nursing building on campus is long overdue,” said SMHHF Board President Mary Stainton, according to a USM press release.
FEATURE
Ebola virus Outbreak instigates need for awareness.
The South Mississippi Home Health Foundation will have a lecture hall named in its honor in the new nursing building. Also, a large classroom in the building will be named for HMP Nursing and the McElroy family. Due to the construction, many students are worried about parking availability on campus. A large area across from the Liberal Arts Building has been cleared in order for a parking lot to be built, said Joe Paul, vice president of student affairs. For more information on the changes being made to campus, visit the USM Foundation website.
7
SPORTS Pro Football HOF Ray Guy becomes first USM alumnus in Hall of Fame.
THE S TUDENT PRINTZ
Page 2 | Thursday, August 21, 2014
Editorial Staff
ACROSS 1. Came across a record concerning journalist (10) 6. Language of old city belonging to the French (4) 9. They’ll get wrongly blamed for heading off escape by animals (10) 10. There’s potato in Mum’s pudding (4) 12. Style of cooking providing contrasts (5-3-4) 15. Country-loving Irishman in charge of containing disturbance (9) 17. Giving note to terrorists makes one angry (5) 18. One who latches on to another is a sucker (5) 19. Sailor’s intent perhaps is to be self-restrained (9) 20. A comment sure upset in due proportion (12) 24. Man told to get on his knees? (4) 25. Boundary rope may produce such a decision (10) 26. E.g. dogs returning from walk (4) 27. Not quite one’s best friend on the ship (6,4)
Executive Editor Kathryn Miller kathryn.miller@eagles.usm.edu 850.565.0812 Managing Editor Alan Rawls gregory.rawls@eagles.usm.edu Multimedia/Web Editor Crystal Garner crystal.garner@eagles.usm.edu News Editor Nikki Smith ashly.smith@eagles.usm.edu Sports Editor Joshua Campbell joshua.m.campbell@eagles.usm.edu Design Editor Parker Brewer parker.brewer@eagles.usm.edu Photo Editor Susan Broadbridge susan.broadbridge@eagles.usm.edu Assistant Photo Editor Kara Davidson kara.davidson@eagles.usm.edu Graphic Designers Cody Bass cody.bass@eagles.usm.edu Julie Gore julia.gore@eagles.usm.edu Social Media Editor Yolanda Cruz yolanda.cruz@eagles.usm.edu News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu Ad Graphic Designer Katherine Frye katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 lesley.sanders@usm.edu Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu
Find us online at: www.studentprintz.com
Instagram: Thestudentprintz
The Student Printz is published every Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Signature Offset of Hattiesburg provides printing services.
#SoaringToStarkville
Join us in #SoaringToStarkville as your Southern Miss football team opens the season at Mississippi State on Saturday, Aug. 30! Under 350 student tickets remain for this game. Tickets are $55 each and may be purchased at the Pat Ferlise Ticket Center, on the phone by calling 1.800.844.TICK or online by visiting www.SouthernMissTickets.com. Additionally, the Southern Miss Student Eagle Club and Student Government Association (SGA) have partnered together to provide bus transportation – free of charge – for the first 200 students who wish to attend the game. Food and drinks will be provided on the buses and will depart and return on the day of the game. All students riding the charter buses must purchase a ticket to the game. If you are interested in riding one of the charter busses please email studenteagleclub@yahoo.com.Also, student tickets are on sale for the Saturday, Sept. 13, game at Alabama. Under 100 student tickets remain for this game, and tickets are $55 each. These tickets may be purchased at the Pat Ferlise Center, on the phone by calling 1.800.844. TICK or online by visiting www.SouthernMissTickets.com.
Editorial Policy
The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligilible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Friday. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics. ACROSS 1. Discovered 6. Urdu 9. Scapegoats 10. Spud 12. Sweet and Sour 15. Patriotic 17. Irate 18. Leech 19. Abstinent 20. Commensurate 24. Neil 25. Borderline 26. Step 27. Seconmate
DOWN 1. Dish 2. Seal 3. Overweighted 4. Evoke 5. Entrances 7. Reprobates 8. Underneath 11. Administered 13. Applicants 14. Streamline 16. Transpose 21. Rodeo 22. Lima 23. Mere
DOWN 1. Pretty girl gets some food (4) 2. Animal found in sea location (4) 3. Fat little Edward is biased (12) 4. The First Lady touring Oklahoma will awaken memories (5) 5. The thresholds of delights (9) 7. Heartless robbers go off with a pet. The villains! (10) 8. Below, below, below (10) 11. Managed to get clergyman in dead awkward situation (12) 13. They are seeking work after demolition of aspic plant (10) 14. Steam railway takes on head of Railtrack to improve efficiency (10) 16. To perform in a different key, one’s parts must be arranged (9) 21. Went on horseback round cowboy show (5) 22. Junk mail from the capital (4) 23. Nothing but a lake (4)
DIRTY BIRDS
• Ed Wilkins, a 21-yearold junior defensive back for Southern Miss, was arrested and charged with armed robbery July 25, according to Jason Munz of The Hattiesburg American. The incident report said Wilkins was arrested alongside 19-year-old Michael Bailey. The two confessed they had arrived at the residence of two alleged friends for the purpose of robbing them. Wilkins reportedly fled to his vehicle, in front of the residence, where police found him, a ski mask and a .40 caliber Glock handgun. Wilkins reportedly claimed to have been sleeping. Wilkins started nine games for the USM football team in the 2013 season. Head coach Todd Monken has suspended Wilkins indefinitely until the university knows more about the incident.
Police Contact Information When reporting, the following information should by provided: • Nature of the crime or emergency • Name, address and phone number of caller • Location of the incident • Description of the scene and suspects • Description of any vehicles involved, especially license plate numbers
University Police 911 (emergency) 601.266.4986 (non-emergency) Bond Hall, First Floor West
NEWS
Thursday, August 21, 2014 | Page 3
ADMIN
USM makes faculty adjustments Kirstie Lowery Printz Reporter
Many faculty members at The University of Southern Mississippi are taking on new roles for the fall semester. Dean of College of Arts and Letters Steven Moser informed the Southern Miss community that there will be a national search for a new director for the School of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) beginning this fall. Christopher Campbell, former director of Mass Communication and Journalism at Southern Miss, will be on sabbatical during the fall. However, Campbell, who served as the department director for
nine years, will be returning to USM next spring in order to continue teaching. MCJ professor Dean Davies, who served as the director of the Honors College program for the last seven years, was chosen as the interim head of the school until a new director is found as a result of the national search. Before beginning his career in the academic field, Davies worked as a newspaper reporter for the Arkansas Gazette and the Arkansas Democrat. This is not the first time Davies has played a large role in the School of MCJ. From 1998 to 2001, Davies served as the chairman of the school, and throughout the 2004-2005 academic year he was also the interim director.
“I’m delighted to work with my colleagues in mass communication and journalism. I couldn’t be happier,” Davies said. Other areas of USM are also seeing staff changes. Karen Coats, former associate dean of graduate school at Mississippi State University, has been chosen as the new dean of graduate school at USM. Coats is also a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. According to the Mississippi Business Journal, the College of Business at Southern Miss is welcoming Bret Becton as associate dean of the college after Joe Peyrefitte returned to a teaching position.
Lisa Flynn has returned to a faculty position, resulting in Mike Whittman serving as the chair for marketing and the interim chair of management. After the retirement of Skip Hughes, Gwen Pate was chosen as the director of the School of Accountancy. Filling Pate’s spot as associate dean of undergraduate programs and assessment will be Brigitte Burgess, who was the merchandising coordinator for seven years. The School of Music is undergoing change as well. The tenure position of Jay Dean, who has served as the director of the School of Music for The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony
Orchestra since 1988, has not been renewed.
Christopher Campbell
ON CAMPUS
Southern Miss
welcomes Class of 2018 Jessica King/Printz
Transfer students Savannah Anderson and Hannah Yost are checked in by resident assistant Hannah Roberson on move-in day in Century Park.
Michael Kavitz/Printz
Golden Eagle Welcome Week leaders dance and cheer to rally their group members for the painting of the eagle walk as part of Southern Miss’ campus tradition.
FEATURE
Page 4 | Thursday, August 21, 2014
ON CAMPUS
Freshmen essentials for college survival Mary Sergeant
Printz Reporter & Photographer Every year, Southern Miss welcomes in a whole new flock of golden eagles. These students walk onto campus eager to begin a fresh and exciting life with tons of new friends and teachers who know nothing of the awkward, embarrassing beings they were in their early high school years. In the midst of the excitement and nervousness, it can be easy for newcomers to forget some of the essentials when they were quickly packing their belongings as their parents insisted on hanging onto them for dear life. Looking back on my freshman year, there are many things I wish someone had told me I would need during the next four years. So, I am here to help the new kids out with my list of top seven things to remember to pack for freshman year. 1. Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, soap, etc. Stock up on all of these items while your parents are feeling generous. I don’t know about you, but I would
much rather spend $5 on a drink at Brewsky’s than on a new bar of soap. (But only $5 non-alcoholic drinks for you underage hooligans). 2. An old pair of tennis shoes. Bar tar stains, mud from Red Bluff and rain are the last thing you want to ruin your new pair of back-to-school shoes. 3. Bulletin boards. These next four years will be some of the busiest, most hectic years of your life. You are going to need somewhere to jot down reminders and post flyers for events you need/want to attend. 4. Headphones. The library can get really loud during finals week, your roommate’s voice (no matter how much you love them) will at one point in time make your ears bleed and walking to early morning classes can be really boring without a little music. 5. Power strips and extension cords. You will probably only have three to four accessible outlets in your room. These come in handy when you want your phone right by you at night or need to charge your laptop
as you are furiously typing a 10-page paper at 2 a.m. in your bed. 6. Emergen-C. I never spent more time with a cold than I did freshman year. The lack of sleep, the new germs and the bad eating habits you acquire all shut your immune system down. Take your vitamins, drink water and keep a packet of Emergen-C in your bookbag. 7. Everything black and gold you have ever bought or been given. The Southern Miss spirit never stops on this campus and you should be well-prepared for the lively events that take place on our campus. There are also a few quick things you don’t need to get: 1. T-shirts. You will get plenty. Trust me. 2. Your cool card. You rip that thing up during GEWW, anyways. 3. Anything red and blue or maroon and white. 4. Too many books and movies. You won’t have as much free time as you think. 5. Any negative thing you have ever heard about USM,
Hattiesburg, the South, college, etc. You have joined the biggest, the best and the most welcoming family in the collegiate world.
Take pride in that. With that, welcome to the class of 2018, and Southern Miss to the top!
Jessica King/Printz
Welcome to your new dorm room Student volunteers from the Baptist Student union assisted freshmen on move in day on Friday, August 15th.
Get a DUI, and you WILL lose your license. And you WILL do some time.
MISSISSIPPI Office of Highway Safety
Visit us on facebook
Drive sober or get pulled over www.dps.state.ms.us
FEATURE
Thursday, August 21, 2014 | Page 5
HEALTH
Spreading awareness, but not Ebola Bradley Presson Printz Reporter
If you have paid attention to any form of mass media lately, you have most likely seen and heard the growing media frenzy surrounding the recent outbreak of Ebola virus that has been ravaging the African continent. With the growing media fervor, the ever-increasing number of people affected by the disease and the fact that Ebola is not a disease that is native to the Americas, it felt appropriate to shed some light on this disease that is unfamiliar to most Americans. According to the World Health Organization, Ebola is a virus that is transmitted from animals to humans and then is spread from human to human through blood, bodily secretions and bodily fluids. The disease has a 90 percent fatality rate. The initial symptoms of Ebola are fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, with later symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and possible
internal and external bleeding. The first known cases of Ebola appeared in 1976, in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since these initial outbreaks, the disease has not left the African continent. The reason for such a media uproar over this somewhat obscure African disease is that the 2014 outbreak has been the deadliest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, with over 1000 recorded deaths in the West African countries it is affecting: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Another fact that is stoking the media’s fire is that two Ebola patients were treated at Emory University Hospital, marking the first time that the disease has been on American soil. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Ebola does not pose a serious threat to the United States, despite the treatment of the two patients in the United States. In effort to combat this deadly outbreak, the World Health Organization has allowed for
the use of the experimental drug ZMapp, a drug that binds to the virus and allows for antibodies to remove the virus more easily. One of the people who helped bring ZMapp into the fight against Ebola is University of Southern Mississippi graduate Daniel Murin, a doctoral student at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego. In an interview with Southern Miss Now, Murin admitted that a lack of research on the drug limited knowledge on the treatment’s usefulness. “It will be interesting to see if there is a statistical significance (from taking ZMapp), but we need more cases (to study),” Murin said. Murin also agreed with the CDC’s view on the disease’s likelihood of affecting the United States, “We don’t have as much to worry about here in the U.S. in the event of an outbreak, because we have excellent medical care and the tools to combat it,” he said. “But it’s devastating for the affected countries in Africa.”
Infographic by Cody Bass Source: Northeastern.edu
OPINION
Page 6 | Thursday, August 21, 2014
MUSIC
‘Chasing the Sun’ or chasing failure? Kathryn Miller Executive Editor
I remember when a certain Disney star was my role model. I sang along to her best hits “Coming Clean” and “Metamorphosis” as a selfconscious middle-schooler. I watched “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” at least seven times in one week because I dreamed of traveling abroad and meeting some foreign lover. Hilary Duff was my # Wo m a n c r u s h We d n e s d a y every Wednesday and I did not even know it at the time. Now I want to shake her and ask her why she is still making music. Her newest single, “Chasing the Sun,” has almost 18 million views and the majority of the views were for a good laugh. As I watched the video for the first time, I never wanted to be that girl running around on the beach and having a guy rub suntan lotion on my back. The words are cliché and sound like a bad sunscreen commercial. And the music video is basically a story line about Duff at work daydreaming about frolicking on a beach with a man in short blue swim trunks. In the end, she is fired for her extensive thoughts. So what exactly is the overall message? Is it that Duff believes she just wants to have a good time and does not care about productivity
Courtesy Photo
at work? As a college senior, I spend a lot of time wondering where I will be in a year and what kind of job I will have. Duff could have done a better job by singing about something motivating or inspiring, not daydreaming about skipping on the beach and actually running into a glass window in her office. Oh, and the most horrifying aspect: blowing kisses to her fans as the video fades out. There are only a few things in the video that made it slightly enjoyable for me: her chic, oversized glasses, her adorable bikini and the hot
guy in the blue swim trunks. It saddens me to think that Hilary Duff used to be one of the main women role models in our generation. Many Duff fans could agree that Duff should put more energy into her acting career than her singing career. For now, I will be avoiding her future albums and only giving her a shout out when it is #ThrowbackThursday to Lizzie McGuire and her beloved friends, Gordo and Miranda.
5 things you didn’t know about Duff: 1. Duff hates bell peppers heard of this brand. 4. Duff had to have more than anything. She despises them whether
dental surgery after she
they are green, yellow, red,
reportedly chipped her
cooked, raw or even as
teeth on a microphone
a garnish.
during her performance.
2.
She left the dentist office
She has an unhealthy
relationship with salt.
with a new set of veneers.
Time to watch your blood
5. She is the sixth cousin
pressure, Duff.
of Lance Armstrong.
3. She has her own
At least Duff’s not
fashion line called “Stuff
using PEDs.
by Hilary Duff.” Now you know why you have never Courtesy Photo
Sources: US Weekly, BoomsBeat
SPORTS
Thursday, August 21, 2014 | Page 7
ALUMNI
Ray Guy completes HOF team James Johnson Printz Reporter
USA TODAY Sports Oakland Raiders former punter Ray Guy walks the red carpet prior to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium.
Football is a battle of field position and Ray Guy was the best at pinning opponents deep in their own territory. The University of Southern Mississippi’s very own Ray Guy made history this summer by being the first punter elected into the NFL Hall of Fame. “It’s been long, long overdue,” Guy said. “But now the Hall of Fame has a complete team.” It was Guy’s eighth time as a finalist for the Hall of Fame. Guy is considered to be the greatest punter of all-time and reinvented how the position is expected to be played. In honor of Guy’s accomplishments, college football’s best punter is given the Ray Guy Award. Like Guy, the winner must show great leadership on and off the field and contribute to his team wins. While at Southern Miss, Guy was not just a coffin corner specialist; he handled various
duties on the football field and pitched for the Golden Eagles baseball team. He also excelled as a defensive back, recording the second most interceptions in school history. This is not the first time Guy made history as a punter. He was the first and only punter selected in the first round of the NFL draft. The Oakland Raiders used the 23rd pick of the 1973 draft on Guy. Guy exceeded all expectations during his 14year NFL career, playing from 1973 to 1986, averaging over 42 yards per punt for his career. Guy played in seven Pro Bowls, which is the most for any punter. Guy’s NFL career is highlighted by winning Super Bowl XI, XV and XVIII with the Raiders. Before Guy came into the NFL, hang time - how long the ball is in the air - was not recorded for punts. Hang time came into play when one of Guy’s punts hit the scoreboard that was hanging from the ceiling of
the Superdome. Guy’s punts had so much hang time that the NFL tested the football he used for helium. Guy’s enshrinement speech showed why he is so highly respected. Not once did he mention his individual achievements, but he honored the people that helped him reach his Hall of Fame status. Now that his playing days are over, Guy uses his Pro Kicker Kicking Academy, which is held every year, to teach the basics and mechanics it takes to kick a football. “Though I may not have realized it at the time, all those years of playing football, I was setting benchmarks for young athletes to follow,” he said. “I’d like to think I can continue to help others by teaching what I have learned and to inspire them as they begin to dream and to start their journey.” Guy is determined to help young kids reach their dream to kick in the NFL and maybe one day stand on the Hall of Fame stage.
Hayward talks upcoming volleyball season Josh Beasley Printz Reporter
Quinci Hayward knows what it takes to be successful. After all, the 6-feet, 5-inch outside hitter was named to the Louisiana All-State Volleyball team all four years of her high school career, and that success has certainly translated on the court at USM. Hayward has recorded 643 kills in her two years as a Golden Eagle so far, and has become a star on the court. Despite excellent personal accomplishments, including being named to the 2014 Preseason All-Conference Team, Hayward hopes to help improve her team as a whole. “Personally, I have to become a better blocker and play with greater energy,” Hayward said. “I also must play smarter in order to help my team. There were times last year where we just had mental mistakes, but I think we can overcome those as a group” Volleyball, a game of momentum, is a sport where
a team can go from first to worst very quickly. Hayward knows that leadership will be essential to make sure there is no regression from last year, but instead steady improvement is a goal for the Lady Golden Eagles. “Momentum can change so fast out on the court,” Hayward said. “As a player, I have to stay positive on the court, because I know some on the younger players will be looking up to me. I love the excitement of the game, so staying positive probably won’t be that hard of a problem.” The Lady Golden Eagles will face a daunting schedule this year with big time games against Rice, UTSA and Western Kentucky. Those three teams present the biggest challenges to USM this upcoming season if they want to win the conference title. Traditional SEC powerhouse, Alabama, also presents a tough challenge for the Lady Golden Eagles this season. Alabama is coming off a year where they finished 24-9 overall and made an appearance in the NCAA tournament and will take on
USM in Montgomery, Alabama on September 12. Hayward believes that these big games will prove a good test as to where her team stands with some of the big dogs. “Our tougher conference opponents and teams like Alabama are really a good measuring stick for our team,” Hayward said. “I know our coaches will have us prepared, and it’s up to us as players to go out on the court and execute. Our seniors and the girls that have been around a while will have to step up and lead for some of the younger girls.” Hayward, who has made an impact on every volleyball team she has been a part of, does not plan on letting her abilities fade after her days at USM are done. The broadcast journalism major has big plans after college. “I hope to have a chance to play volleyball overseas,” Hayward said. “Continuing my volleyball career is my ultimate goal, but I also understand that things don’t always go as you plan. I’m majoring in broadcast
journalism in hopes to be a television producer one day. I want to start off in news, but I want to end up producing and starring in my own reality show.”
The Lady Golden Eagles will open their 2014 season at the Southern Miss Invitational on August 29 against ArkansasPine Bluff at 7:30 p.m.
SPORTS
Page 8 | Thursday, August 21, 2014
FOOTBALL
Miss. State game sets the tone for season Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter
In less than 10 days, the Southern Miss football team will kick off the 2014 season against in-state rival Mississippi State. The Golden Eagles, who finished their 19-day fall camp Tuesday, begin their weekly routine practices today after head coach Todd Monken gave the players Wednesday off to prepare for the first day of classes. For nearly three weeks, the team has solely focused on fall camp and preparing for the first game of the season. However, Monken acknowledged the importance of his players transitioning from just practice to including an academic workload in addition to performing on the field. “Now it is get up, breakfast check, go to class, tutoring, study hall and practice, and
it is a lot different,” Monken said. “The anxiety level of all those classes. A lot of our freshmen have been here, but different classes. Just getting used to a routine.” Beyond the adjustment period, players are excited for the Golden Eagles seasonopener against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs, who were predicted to finish fifth in the SEC West this year, return 80 percent of its starters from last season’s bowl team. Quarterback Dak Prescott will lead the Bulldogs as the chief signal caller after sharing the duty last year with Tyler Russell. With an improved Prescott at quarterback, eight returning starters on offense and a defense that allowed only 23 points per game, Mississippi State will look to start its path toward an SEC Championship in its season opener against Southern Miss. But Golden Eagle players are not worried about the
Bulldogs’ plans or success last year, but instead they are focusing on how this game sets the tone for their season. “This game provides the chance for the team to showcase the growth we have made and to show that we really are a different team from previous years,” said redshirt sophomore fullback Johntre Goudy. “We can all preach that we’re a different and better team, but action speaks so much louder than words.” Darrion Goudy, a redshirted senior fullback and brother of Johntre Goudy, said he is thrilled about the game against the Bulldogs and what it does for the team. “This will be one of the steps that will help us rise back to the top,” Goudy said. “I notice excitement from a lot of fans and students and it is a game that everyone is looking forward to. We want a victory.” Goudy also said this game
allows for the younger players on the team to truly see the expectations set for them and to constantly grow and improve in their college football experience. The last time the two teams played each other was in 1990. Southern Miss leads the overall series 14-12-1, which dates back to 1935. During the 1975 and 1976 seasons, Mississippi State forfeited games against the Golden Eagles. “A win over State will be a huge confidence booster to our team,” said redshirt senior defensive lineman Nic Bekkers. “It would give us the momentum we need to have a great season.” While players express their thoughts and opinions about the game against the Bulldogs, students are also ready to see the football team take the field against Mississippi State. “This game will show where Southern Miss’ football
program stands,” said Cedric Anderson, a sophomore business marketing major. “Playing well against a team from the SEC will show our fans and student body how hard the football team has been working to be a successful program.” Drako Wells, a senior English major, said the Mississippi State game puts Mississippi bragging rights on the line. “This is our school’s chance to show larger schools like MSU and Ole Miss that we are on the same level as they are,” Wells said. “As long as we play competitively, everyone will see that Southern Miss is improving and that our team is on the rise.” The Golden Eagles will travel to Starkville, Miss., on Aug. 30 to take on Mississippi State. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium.
USM leads all-time series 14-12-1 11/15/1935 Hattiesburg, MS 11/22/1947 Starkville, MS 10/17/1964 Starkville, MS 10/9/1965 Starkville, MS 10/8/1966 Starkville, MS 10/14/1967 Starkville, MS 10/12/1968 Starkville, MS 10/11/1969 Starkville, MS 10/24/1970 Starkville, MS 10/21/1972 Starkville, MS 10/27/1973 Starkville, MS 10/4/1975 Starkville, MS 10/23/1976 Hattiesburg, MS 10/22/1977 Starkville, MS 10/7/1978 Hattiesburg, MS 10/27/1979 Starkville, MS 10/11/1980 Starkville, MS 11/7/1981 Jackson, MS 10/9/1982 Jackson, MS 10/8/1983 Jackson, MS 10/6/1984 Jackson, MS 9/21/1985 Jackson, MS 9/20/1986 Jackson, MS 10/17/1987 Jackson, MS 10/15/1988 Jackson, MS 9/9/1989 Hattiesburg, MS 9/22/1990 Starkville, MS
MSU-27 USM-0 MSU-14 USM-7 MSU-48 USM-7 MSU-27 USM-9 MSU-10 USM-9 USM-21 MSU-14 USM-47 MSU-14 MSU-34 USM-20 MSU-51 USM-15 MSU-26 USM-7 MSU-10 USM-10 MSU Forfeit MSU Forfeit USM-14 MSU-7 USM-22 MSU-17 USM-21 MSU-7 USM-42 MSU-14 USM-7 MSU-6 USM-20 MSU-14 USM-31 MSU-6 MSU-27 USM-18 MSU-23 USM-20 USM-28 MSU-24 USM-18 MSU-14 USM-38 MSU-21 MSU-26 USM-23 MSU-13 USM-10