Monday, October 5, 2015
Volume 100 Issue 13
www.studentprintz.com PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
PAGE EIGHT
PAGE SIX
NEWS
F E AT U R E
OPINION
S P O RT S
USM treats Pine Belt to an evening of glamour, music.
Professional experience recommended for students.
Southern Miss theater’s latest play about inner beauty.
Junior QB exceeds expectations so far in 2015 season.
Symphony
Internships
‘Violet’
Football
Golden Eagles throttle Mean Green, 49-14 Deantae Smith Printz Reporter
Southern Miss opened their conference schedule against division foe North Texas on Saturday, improving to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in Conference USA with a 49-14 victory. The offense produced 573 yards with zero turnovers, while the defense forced one turnover and racked up five sacks in the win. On the second drive of the game, Nick Mullens completed three passes to three different receivers, the longest to Ito Smith for 31 yards on a 2nd-and-10 play. A completion to Mike Thomas in the back of the end zone from five yards out capped the drive off and gave the Golden Eagles the early 7-0 lead. Mullens continued to connect with Thomas on the fourth drive, twice for 32 yards. After a Jalen Richard carry that put the offense at the 3-yard line, Mullens connected with Casey Martin for another touchdown toss. On the following possession, Mullens kept the ball himself for a 4-yard rushing touchdown. At halftime, the Golden Eagle offense had generated 252 total yards, 169 of those yards through the air. The North Texas offense gained 167 yards in the first half. The Mean Green controlled time of possession and gained more first downs, but still trailed by three scores at halftime. Following halftime, the Golden Eagle offense put together a drive that had three plays over 15 yards each. The drive ended with another Mullens-to-Thomas touchdown connection from five yards out, pushing the Southern Miss lead to 28-0. After gaining possession after a turnover-on-downs, Thomas’ number was called once again. The offense went deep into the playbook when they called a flea flicker that went for a 62yard touchdown, Thomas’ third
Hunt Mercier/Assistant Photo Editor
Southern Miss wide receiver Casey Martin evades a North Texas player on Saturday night in Hattiesburg.
of the game. “I knew it was going to be a touchdown actually,” Mullens said. Mean Green QB Andrew McNulty ended the third quarter with a 39-yard completion to Turner Smiley that put the Mean Green in scoring position as time expired. Starting the fourth quarter on the Southern Miss 23-yard line, McNulty connected with his favorite target of the night, Carlos Harris, for their first points of the game. Harris had nine receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Tyler Matthews made his debut late in the fourth quarter. On his first snap of the season, he rushed for 29 yards.
Justice Hayes ran for 35 on the next play. Hayes found his way into the end zone on the next play for a 2-yard touchdown run, pushing the Southern Miss lead to 49-7. Hayes had 16 rushes for 86 yards and a touchdown on one of his better nights as a Golden Eagle. North Texas running back Willy Ivery gashed the Southern Miss defense on the Mean Green’s final drive. On his first carry, he bounced the run to the outside for a 12-yard gain and then 24 yards on the next carry. Ivery plunged into the end zone from three yards out, bringing the final score to 49-14. Mullens threw for four touchdowns and ran for another,
while racking up 325 yards on 27 completions. Seven of those 27 passes went to Thomas, who had a career night with 155 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas’ health was a major factor of his impact on the game. “This is the first game that I have felt comfortable and not banged up,” Thomas said. Head coach Todd Monken echoed Thomas’ statement. “This was really the first week he has been back to practice,” Monken said. “I am fired up for (Thomas). We are better when he is healthy.” Smith played a huge role in the offense as well, getting 16 touches for 169 all-purpose yards
Homecoming Week Preview
and a touchdown. Defensively, the Golden Eagles had no trouble getting to the quarterback as a unit, as they were able to sack the QB five times. “When I get a sack, sometimes I don’t even know what to do,” said Ja’Boree Poole, who led the way with two sacks. Michael Smith added 1.5 sacks while Cornell Armstrong was responsible for creating the only turnover of the game with an interception in the end zone, the first of his career. The Golden Eagles (3-2, 1-0) travel to Huntington, West Virginia, to face the Marshall Thundering Herd (4-1, 1-0) on Friday, Oct. 9.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Midday Giveaway 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoemaker Square
Day of Service Pints for Points Blood Drive 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thad Cochran Center Boys and Girls Club 4 p.m.
The Golden Race 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pride Field
Singin’ at 6 6 p.m. The Power House
Fountain Sit 1 p.m. Shoemaker Square fountain
Homecoming Parade 11 a.m. Eagle Walk 4 p.m. Game Day 6 p.m. The Rock
October 12
Bring it on Eagle Style 7 p.m. Shoemaker Square
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
Friday Night at the Fountain 8:30 p.m. Centennial Green
October 17
INFORMATION
Page 2 | Monday, October 5, 2015
MEET THE STAFF OF FALL 2015
Dirty Birds
EDITORS & STAFF
• On Friday, Sept. 25, at 12:34 p.m., vandalism was reported at the GP Fleming Education Center. The case remains open.
• On Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:48 p.m., larceny petit was reported at Longleaf Trace. The case remains open. • On Monday, Sept. 28, at 1:31 p.m., simple assault was reported at the Thad Cochran Center. The case remains open. • On Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6:27 p.m., domestic simple assault was reported at Golden Eagle Avenue. The case remains open.
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NEWS
Monday, October 5, 2015 | Page 3
ON CAMPUS
Symphony Orchestra opens 96th season Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
Last Thursday, the USM Symphony Orchestra opened its 96th season with a performance entitled “New Acquaintances and Old Friends.” The event called for best dress for its gala-style opening. Jay Dean, director of orchestral activities, announced the evening as a dazzling, first-class type of night. “Similar to glamorous openings at the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet, this is the Pine Belt’s chance to ramp up the glamour and enjoy a first rate musical evening with the incomparable Symphony Orchestra,” Dean said. The program opened with the world premiere of “Nostalgic Dances” by Luigi Zaninelli, the in-residence composer, and “Radiant Dances” by Iowa composer James Naigus. “Nostalgic Dances” recollected the dance era of the early 20th century, featuring a moving foxtrot, waltz and polka. USM horn professor Jacquelyn Adams made a stunning Mississippi debut, as the soloist for “Radiant Dances”—her newly commissioned piece. After a short intermission, the evening closed with Symphony No. 1 in C minor by an “old friend”—Johannes Brahms. Dean conducted this timeless piece. The 96th season, titled “World
The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra performed on Thursday night in Hattiesburg.
Wind,” indirectly previews what attendants can expect in the upcoming months. “Every symphonic concert features wind or brass soloists,”
Dean said. “Some of these performers will be students who come from different parts of the world including Mississippi, while others are
globally renowned celebrity artists. Therefore, it seems that we should entitle the season something reflective of this unusual circumstance.”
Fadi Shahin/Printz
Established in 1920, the USM Symphony Orchestra is the oldest in Mississippi and there are 13 countries represented in it by the performing students.
ON CAMPUS
USM hosts Maya Week presentations Hiba Tahir
Printz Reporter Last week, the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at The University of Southern Mississippi hosted Maya Week on its Hattiesburg campus. Four research presentations from numerous sites in Belize and Guatemala encompassed a free and open lecture series that
took place over the course of the week. The series featured recently returned Ph.D. recipients or doctoral candidates discussing their summer fieldwork findings. The first presenter, Amanda Harvey of the University of Nevada, Reno, received her master’s degree from USM in 2011. Harvey presented “Three
Jillian Rodriguez/Printz Julie Hoggarth speaks about her research “Climate, Chronology and Cultural Change in the Maya Lowlands” during Maya Week on Friday.
Decades of Research at Tipu, Belize (1538-1613),” an analysis of the skeletal remains recovered from the colonial Mayan site in Belize. The 16thand 17th-century artifacts, one of the largest and best-preserved Mayan collections, are currently curated at USM. Other speakers included Maxime Lamoureux St-Hilaire and Mary Kate Kelly of Tulane University, who presented “Glyphs at Court: New Epigraphic Discoveries at the Site of Corona, Guatemala,” Carolyn Freiwald of the University of Mississippi, who presented “Migration, Culture
Change, and the Arrival of the Spanish in the Last Independent Maya Kingdom” and Julie Hoggarth of Baylor University, who presented “Climate, Chronology and Cultural Change in the Maya Lowlands.” “Really, for me, the ultimate drive behind my research is to try to think of ways that people can respond—whether that is successfully or maybe not so successfully,” Hoggarth said. Hoggarth is an assistant professor in anthropology at Baylor University and serves as assistant director of the Belize Valley Archaeological
Reconnaissance Project, an investigative group that regularly examines large prehistoric Mayan sites like Cahal Pech, Baking Pot and Lower Dover in the upper Belize River Valley. Other topics discussed during the week included an analysis of hieroglyphics in Guatemala, native adaptations to Spanish contact, an investigation of migration and modern dating techniques using bone chemistry and a discussion of the ways in which climate change affected population in the Mayan Lowlands. “These are young scholars, and this is cutting-edge research that applies to a variety of disciplines: biology, history, geography and chemistry, just to name a few,” said Marie Danforth, a professor of anthropology, in a Southern Miss Now press release. USM senior and anthropology major Lauren Ivy found the wevent interesting. “I think (Maya Week) is great,” she said. “It really spreads the information out to people who don’t know much about it. I didn’t know a lot of this stuff.”
FEATURE
Page 4 | Monday, October 5, 2015
ON CAMPUS
Employers seek students who combine education, experience Alexis Ware Printz Reporter
People always ask college students, “What are your plans after graduation?” To which students either reply with a detailed response of their career goals or with hesitations about what kind of life awaits them beyond graduation. College classes intend to prepare students to step into a career within their major. However, employers often seek more than a degree. Many graduates find that experience is just as much a necessity. When textbook learning is not enough, students choose to leave the classroom and gain real-world knowledge. Alexis Sanders, a senior biochemistry and molecular biology double major, has had two internships at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and one at Jackson State University. Sanders said that her three internships are the reasons she found her niche within the science field. “You definitely need (experience) in today’s world,” Sanders said. “It’s available to everyone basically everyone is pursuing education.” Other students agreed that internships are imperative. Senior marine biology major
Courtesy Photo
Katie Schweiss’ internship allowed her to get experience working at an aquarium. “I chose to get an internship because in the field of biology, you basically need one or need to have experience in a lab setting,” Schweiss said. “It sets you apart from others in your field. I think it shows you have dedication and gumption, especially if it’s an unpaid internship.” Beyond the experience,
$16.26 AVERAGE WAGE RATE OF INTERNS AT BACHELOR’S LEVEL
internships can help students determine if they are in a field they actually enjoy. Sarah Lacoste, a senior exercise science major, had two internships: one at a dentist’s office and one at a physical therapist’s office. “I did them to make sure that it was what I wanted to do. I did the dental one and found out I did not like it at all,” Lacoste said. “So then I did the physical therapy one and loved it.”
While internships often help students get positive experience and are good opportunities for networking, some people find they fall into one that does not quite suit their needs. For Sanders, she was too experienced for one of her internships, and the professional didn’t offer her any opportunities to further develop her research. Lacoste also experienced being misplaced in
an internship. “I think the only bad experience I had was feeling like I had to stay in the dental internship even though it grossed me out,” Lacoste said. Internships can offer students the opportunity to be competitive while on the job hunt. “Employers want students to be prepared before they come to the workforce. Of course, they know you’re on an entry level and that you are still learning, but they do want you do have some experience already,” Sanders said. The way students handle themselves while in the work field during their internships has a lasting impact. “You have to be aware of where to draw the line with coworkers and (superiors),” Schweiss said. “You technically don’t work there, but you always want to convey that you’re a professional person and could be a potential candidate for a job offer.” Internships allow students to take what they learn in the classroom and put it to use in a professional setting. Whether the internship reinforces their career plans or takes them in a new direction, students can benefit from the opportunity an internship provides.
FALL 2015 CAREER FAIR Wednesday, Oct. 14 Noon to 4 p.m. in Thad Cochran Center
48.4% CONVERSION RATE OF INTERNS * 2013 Internship & Co-op Survey Executive Summary, National Association of Colleges and Employers
...AND MORE!! For a complete list of attending employers, visit usm.edu/career-services
FEATURE
Monday, October 5, 2015 | Page 5
Courtesy Photo
The Gulf Park campus of The University of Southern Mississippi lies in shambles in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
ON CAMPUS
USM alumna pens book on Katrina Alan Rawls
Executive Editor When most people remember the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, they think of the broken levees, flooded streets and chaos of New Orleans. But University of Southern Mississippi alumnus and author NancyKay Wessman tells the story of this natural disaster from the eyes of Mississippians in her latest book, “Katrina, Mississippi: Voices from Ground Zero.” “Most Mississippians are all too aware that Hurricane Katrina slammed Mississippi, but the news media evacuated,” Wessman said. “They went to New Orleans, and most of the world thinks of the Crescent City as (Katrina’s) target. I want the world to know that Mississippi took the blow and has not only survived but persevered.” According to The ClarionLedger, Wessman based her book on personal interviews conducted over the course of two years, as well as her 25 years of experience as the communications director of the state Health Department. With a background in journalism and a master’s of public health degree from Tulane University, Wessman sought to share the story of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s recovery from a public health perspective as well as the perspectives of emergency workers.
“I know that our government responded by allocating billions of dollars toward preparedness, but no news media talked about that in relation to Katrina, as to whether we in the Gulf South were prepared and how we responded,” Wessman said. “I knew most of what Mississippi had done to prepare, and I knew many of those first responders who had never had an opportunity to talk about what they experienced.” “I had to help them tell their stories,” she said. She shares these stories in the format of creative nonfiction— stories like that of Hancock County Emergency Management Director Brian “Hooty” Adam and 35 citizens who risked their lives to stay behind and keep emergency operations going during the storm’s assault on Bay Saint Louis and Waveland, according to the Jackson Free Press. Though state and federal officials demanded they evacuate, these 36 men and women refused. Wessman also tells the story of Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, the only hospital that weathered the storm and continued to provide services, as well as that of WQRZ radio operator Brice Phillips, who remained on the air for the duration of Katrina and provided important information to the community. “These people are not victims,” Wessman told Mallory Pickering of The Clarion-Ledger. “They
are champions.” According to Pickering, Wessman was two years into retirement when Hurrican Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. She had been spending her time traveling with her husband. Wessman was approached about writing the book in 2008, and she gladly obliged because she believed New Orleans had received more than its share of attention. “Now, I love New Orleans,” Wessman said. “I went to grad school there. It feels like a holy place to me.” Still, she had a yearning to tell a seemingly forgotten side of the story, one that belonged to the state of Mississippi. The former Health Department communications director stresses public health issues and emergency preparedness in her book, which reads like a novel, according to Pickering. “All disasters are local, and all involve public health,” Wessman said. “For the first nine to 14 days, public health issues took top priority: food, water, sewers, emergency medical and mortuary services, chronic disease control, getting the health care facilities back—these were the critical issues.” Wessman considered how USM students might use her book. She commends the book to students of not only public health, but also of history, social work, psychology, communications, journalism
and more. “Katrina touched everybody in some way,” Wessman said. “Everybody has a Katrina story and can learn from the first responders who worked in Hancock and
Harrison Counties.” “Katrina, Mississippi: Voices from Ground Zero” is available at most of Mississippi’s independent bookstores, as well as on Amazon in print and as an ebook.
NancyKay Wessman
OPINION
Page 6 | Monday, October 5, 2015
ENTERTAINMENT
Trevor Noah nails role as Daily Show host
Andrew Dutton Printz Reporter
There is no need to worry about the future of “The Daily Show” if it is in the hands of comedic genius, Trevor Noah. For those of you who have never seen Trevor Noah’s stand-up, it is phenomenal. No doubt one of requirements for hosting “The Daily Show” is to be not just funny, but absolutely hilarious. Jon Stewart, the retired longtime host of “The Daily Show,” set the standard for Noah’s entrance. It was through his wit that he developed an ability to give us courage as he delivered even the darkest of stories.
Noah exemplified his ability to fill Stewart’s shoes this week. His first week on the job, a shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon left 10 dead on Oct. 1. Noah responded honestly, saying he couldn’t provide an appropriate comment because he didn’t know enough about the situation. It’s this kind of honesty and selfawareness that helped make Jon Stewart one of the most lovable characters on television and will certainly lead to Noah being beloved as well. As far as the overall show goes, nothing really changed much other than the host. It still had the same
formula: an opening segment with the host reporting and then joking about the news, typically leading into a correspondent segment and finally dissolving into the guest interview. During the interview portion, I noticed Noah experienced a bit of nerves. You really only have one chance to make a good first impression in anything. For a job that carries such prestige in the comedy world as being host of the Daily Show, it’s easily understandable for Noah to act this way. Noah brings an outsider’s perspective, being from South Africa, that sets him apart from Stewart. Noah makes a point about
not being American and being new to life in America. For instance, Noah jokingly asked why we allow our baby lions to go to the bathroom in sandboxes in the house. Obviously he is referring to our house cats, but because he is from Africa, it makes the joke funny. His style of comedy focuses on political satire, just like Jon Stewart had done for decades. However, the American political climate and African political climate are entirely different. During his stand-up special “It’s My Culture,” he mentions his time in Zambia, where it is illegal to be gay. Anyone found to be gay will be sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Courtesy Photo
The first joke from this set admitted it was a weird punishment if you thought about it. Funnier was Noah’s following story about escalators. Escalators are apparently a rarity in Zambia. When the special aired in 2013, Zambia only had five escalators in the whole country, and people would go to the mall for the sole purpose of riding the escalators. Noah will certainly continue to use examples from his South African upbringing in the show to provide a different kind of humor— not your homegrown American comedy we are so familiar with, but something fresh. There is enough talent I see from Noah that I am not worried about his future as host.
ON CAMPUS
Department of Theatre kicks off season with ‘Violet’ Lora Lavigne Printz Reporter
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Theatre began the 2015-2016 with the musical “Violet” by Doris Betts. “Violet” is based on Betts’ short story “The Ugliest Pilgrim.” After being badly scarred in an accident as a child, Violet, the protagonist, sets out from her home in North Carolina to be healed by a televangelist in Oklahoma. As she travels on a Greyhound bus, she finds some emotional healing that is far more valuable than the physical transformation that
she hoped for. “It’s almost a pilgrimage she goes on to get healed in Tulsa,” said Devi Reisenfeld, who plays the protagonist. “She goes on this spiritual journey to find love and acceptance, and I think she ends up getting healed in a different way than what she expected when she first set out. Chosen as winner of the 2014 Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, “Violet” showcases a variety of music from the 1960s South, including bluegrass and gospel. The musical features works by Jeanine Tesori and libretto by Brian Crawley. Musicals tend to be
overwhelming amid all the singing, dancing and music, but USM’s Department of Theatre did an incredible job with allowing the music to simply enhance the show rather than control it. As an audience member, I was able to grasp the concept of the play and enjoy the music at the same time. The music was phenomenal. The director did a great job achieving the overall goal of the musical. The production definitely showcased the actors’ musical talent. Robin Carr, associate professor of voice and acting, is the director of “Violet.” This is the second musical she has
directed at USM this year. “‘Violet’ is a perfect fit for the (USM) audience,” Carr said. “Set in the South, it has universal themes, gospel based-music and a very talented cast that brings these colorful characters to life. I believe this production will strike a melodious chord in all of us that will resonate even after leaving the theatre.” I applaud the theatre department for their decision of executing this particular production this year, being it has such a close connection with our generation. We live in a world in which people constantly obsess over their personal image.
From magazines to social media, people compare themselves to the celebrity figures they perceive as perfect. “Violet” sends the message that people do not have to live bound by their psychological scars. I truly recommend the heart-wrenching production. All performances are held in Tatum Theatre on Southern Miss’ Hattiesburg campus. On Oct. 8, 9 and 10, the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is set for Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK.
SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL
Monday, October 5, 2015 | Page 7
Golden Eagles cruise to victory over UAB Julius Kizzee News Editor
Southern Miss (16-5, 3-1) kept their historic season on track by dispatching the UAB Blazers (7-13, 0-6), 3-1 on Sunday. Junior Stephany Purdue cruised to history as she recorded her 1,000th career kill in the win. She finished the match with 17 kills, en route to leading the Golden Eagles in dismantling the Blazers for UAB’s 13th loss on the season. In the first set, the Blazers and Golden Eagles battled heavily until the closing moments. Both teams held tightly at nine points at one point, when the Golden Eagles took over. The Blazers just could not manage to get out of their own way, with countless attack and service errors, killing their own momentum. It took a 5-4 run, capitalized by Rachel Johnson’s kill to end the set, 25-19. In the second set, USM was looking to put UAB in a hole. The Blazers held a tie with the Golden Eagles late into the match, tied at 19. Started with a Sydney Nelson kill, the Blazers infused the game with an energy that the Golden Eagles just could not match. A 6-2 run by UAB, put the match even at 1-1. The Golden Eagles jumped out to a 7-3 lead to start the third
set, in which Purdue scored four straight points. That lead evaporated, as UAB raced to even the set at 11. Purdue and Kylie Grandy individually went runs of their own to pace the Golden Eagles into winning the set, 25-20. The fourth set was a statement set for the Golden Eagles, as they only trailed once at 6-5. The rest of the set, the Golden Eagles flexed their muscles to down the UAB Blazers in Reed Green. Although the Blazers fought to keep the game close at times, the effort was not enough as the Golden Eagles trailed to a 25-22 match-clinching win. Grandy and Mary Pursell put a defensive stamp on the game, digging for 24 and 23 balls respectively. Also, USM outscored the Blazers in the blocks, 18-10. As a team, the Golden Eagles cut it close in the sets, but capitalized when it mattered most. The Golden Eagles are off to their hottest start in recent memory, jumping out to 3-1 in Conference USA action. They will play three of their next four games at home, where they have compiled a 6-1 record on the season. Middle Tennessee will travel to play Southern Miss on Friday at 6 p.m.
Joe Harper/bgnphoto.com Kylie Grandy goes for the spike against UAB on Sunday.
SOCCER Southern Miss splits double-header in opening conference play Julius Kizzee News Editor
Southern Miss forward Becky McMullan takes the ball up the field against Charlotte Friday afternoon in Hattiesburg.
Fadi Shahin/Printz
Southern Miss captured its first win since September 4 against the Southern Jaguars, by shutting out the Charlotte 49ers, 1-0. It was the first win against the 49ers in USM history. For the first time in 630 minutes of action, the Golden Eagles scored a goal. In the first two minutes of the match against the 49ers, freshman forward Kierstin Bradley scored the lone goal of the game. For the rest of the match, USM took eight shots and failed to register another point. The defense for Southern Miss held nicely, as Charlotte shot 17 times, never putting one into the goal. Junior goalie Brittany Taylor had nine saves on the night, and six in the second half alone. Southern Miss could not ride the wave of their win against Charlotte, losing at Louisiana Tech 2-0. Freshman Mary Kate Smith paced the Golden Eagles with
four shots, landing two shots on goal. The 5-foot, 4-inch defender was followed in shots by freshman defenseman Ashton Stennis, who had two shots for herself. As a team, the Golden Eagles had ten shots with only three on goal. The defense for the Golden Eagles was piteous all night. The Golden Eagles allowed 12 shots, which six of them landed on goal. The Bulldog offense was anxious in their attack, catching five offsides penalties for the game. Bulldogs junior Kathryn Sloan had two goals on just three shots, both pacing the Louisiana Tech attack. The Golden Eagles struggled all weekend offensively, but the defense overall held steady, allowing only three goals in two games. With only six games left until Conference USA Championships, they will have to straighten up their act all-around to stay competitive. Southern Miss will travel to Miami to take on the FIU Panthers on Sept. 9.
SPORTS
Page 8 | Monday, October 5, 2015
FOOTBALL
Mullens shines for revamped Golden Eagles
Julius Kizzee News Editor
The maturation of junior quarterback Nick Mullens is one thing that many people did not see coming. From a two-star prospect in Hoover, Alabama, to starting quarterback of a rejuvenated Southern Miss football team, Nick Mullens has had to fight for the spot that he has now. Even after throwing for a career-high 447 yards against Nebraska, he still has something to prove if you ask head coach Todd Monken. “(Mullens) played well the last two weeks; now you have to play good this week,” Monken said. “You don’t carry over stats.” Against Nebraska, Mullens had the most productive game of his young career. He went 26of-41 for two touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a 171.1 quarterback rating. With those video game-like numbers, there isn’t much more that he could have done. “I think there is a lot that he can still clean up,” offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said. “He did do a nice job (against Nebraska), but we didn’t score enough points obviously to win the game.” He followed up one of the better games of his career with another dominant performance in a 49-14 win over North Texas. Mullens completed 27-of-36 for 325 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another touchdown. “It’s a mindset on how to control your mind when things go crazy,” Mullens said. “Right now, I believe I have a really good understanding of the offense.”
Southern Miss quarterback Nick Mullens throws a pass on Saturday night against the North Texas Mean Green in Hattiesburg.
You wouldn’t expect Mullens to take the easy road, though. He has had to fight to even keep his spot on the team this year, with highly touted transfer quarterback Tyler Matthews nipping at his heels. Matthews came to Southern Miss after being one of the most coveted prospects coming out of the state of Kansas. Mullens has silenced all of the doubters who thought that Matthews would be a better option for the Golden Eagles. Mullens sits at fifth in the country in passing yards, tied for sixth in touchdowns thrown and is 14th in quarterback rating. With all of the hype and recognition he is finally receiving, he actually is still more hungry than before. “I try not to worry about the expectations,” Mullens said. “I really don’t favor getting caught up in all the stuff.” Mullens has matured in a way that is usually not seen on the collegiate level. He first started as a true freshman against a ranked team in Nebraska back in 2013, struggling mightily in the early going. He was expected to take a big step forward a year ago in his first full season as the starter, but he struggled once again in an injury-riddled season. “He has all the same traits he had two years ago,” Monken said. “He gets hurt against Louisiana Tech, and his foot was never the same.” Mullens did come back later that season, but the Golden Eagle season was a lost cause.
USM finished with a mere 3-9 record. This year, they seek the respect that people lost for them due to a plethora of losses in recent seasons, and it all begins with the man under center. “(Mullens) is a good player just like a lot of other guys around the country,” Lindsey said. “Those stats aren’t really that important the way that some people make it out to.”
Although Mullens has had a career year thus far, the team sits at 3-2. Granted, those losses have come at the hands of two Power Five programs, Mississippi State and Nebraska. An argument can be made that Southern Miss could very well have been sitting at 5-0 on the season right now. Mullens is a huge reason why the Golden Eagles have been able to
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compete with those programs. “This is the closest group I’ve been around since I’ve been here,” Mullens said. “We believe and we know we have a chance to be really good.” After a dominant performance against the Mean Green, it looks like this Mullens-led team is finally ready to compete for a Conference USA title once again.