Monday, November 28, 2016 Volume 101 Issue 24
student printz SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
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Golden Eagles Win, 39-24 Julius Kizzee | Sports Editor Coach Jay Hopson and quarterback Nick Mullens embrace each other after Southern Miss’ 39-24 win on Nov. 25 at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
USM reaches bowl eligibility after La. Tech win
JULIUS KIZZEE sports editor Southern Miss had to play a near-perfect game against rival Louisiana Tech as the Bulldogs came in with an 8 - 3 record. While holding them to eight yards rushing, the USM defense and the offense handled the La. Tech attack, 39 - 24. “We were in our darkest hour, and everybody on this football team came out with a positive attitude,” said Head Coach Jay Hopson. “I’m just blessed to be a part of these young men. It’s been a long, tough road but a great finish.” Knowing the magnitude of the situation, Southern Miss did not pull any stops as they slotted senior quarterback Nick Mullens at receiver with freshman Keon Howard at the quarterback position. Mullens was making his first return of the season from injury.
“It’s fun,” Mullens said, referencing the few plays he lined up at receiver. “You always hear quarterbacks have to be great receivers coaches. It’s fun. It was a great time.” Mullens as receiver worked on the first drive of the game as Southern Miss used both QBs on the drive. Howard took the ball from nine yards out to score the first touchdown of the game. “Coach [Hopson] preaches 11 brothers are hard to beat,” Hopson said. “Everyone had to step up in their own different way. I thought that first drive [was the] perfect plan. Keon’s obviously talented in the run game. These coaches had a great plan, and the players trusted that.” The Golden Eagles pulled out their stops, and La. Tech mirrored this action. Mullens went to pass early in the
second quarter but was stripped. The Bulldogs recovered the fumble. As Secdrick Cooper returned for the score, he lateraled behind his head at the 31-yard line to Xavier Woods, who took it in to put La. Tech up 14 - 10 with 14:07 in the second quarter. With a stout defense, Southern Miss got back on top of La. Tech by forcing a three-and-out near the end of the first half. USM scored on a Mullens to senior receiver D.J. Thompson pass play for eight yards, during which Mullens was in place of the all-time record for passing touchdowns with 84. Heading into the half, Southern Miss led the Bulldogs 23 - 17 while also limiting La. Tech to a single rushing yard in the period. USM outgunned La. Tech 300 yards to 139. La. Tech was down six points. “Coaches came up with a great gameplan,” said junior running
back Ito Smith. “We went out there and executed [it].” The USM defense led the Golden Eagles at the beginning of the second half as a fumbled snap went over the head of senior punter Tyler Sarrazin for a loss of 37 yards, pitting La. Tech at the USM 12-yard line for easy field position. The Golden Eagle defense held the Bulldogs to four plays in the red zone for a single yard with a fourth down stop by senior linebacker Elijah Parker on 4th and 1 with USM holding a six-point lead. “We kept fighting really,” said junior defensive back Picasso Nelson, Jr. “This week, we wanted to just give it our all. Regardless of how I feel, I wanted to give my all [to the seniors].” The offense answered that drive with an 8-of-8 passing performance by Mullens, during which he threw for 64 yards and a touchdown to
receiver Korey Robertson. With the return of the senior quarterback, the offense amassed 431 total yards in the season finale. “Players trusted coaches,” Mullens said. “Big stops, energy on the sideline. Everything you ask to be successful, that’s what we did.” The return of Mullens caused the offense to bloom. Thompson is another Golden Eagle who made a return to the field for the first time since the homecoming contest against Marshall. His return was to the tune of 12 receptions (an M.M. Roberts Stadium record), 135 yards and two touchdowns. “I hated missing all those games,” Thompson said. “They [talked trash and,] personally, I didn’t like that. I know where their emotions were. We just wanted to play ball.” Southern Miss now awaits to see if they are invited to a bowl game to complete their season.
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INTRODUCTION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
Meet the Staff Fall 2016 Cam Bonelli
Executive Editor
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NEWS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
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Bryant breaks ground on research center PRESS RELEASE
southern miss now
On Nov. 14, state officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Marine Research Center in conjunction with the Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) and The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Ocean Science and Technology. Commissioners of the Port Authority authorized advertisement for the $10 million structure, which will serve as the marine operations and research facility for USM’s School of Ocean Science and Technology, as well as enhance the industrial “front door” of the Port of Gulfport. “The groundbreaking for USM’s new Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport is an exciting step toward the enhancement of the University’s impressive R&D portfolio,” said Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. “The facility will play a significant role in growing Mississippi’s Blue Economy, which is a strong economic driver for the Gulf Coast region and the entire state. I congratulate the leadership of the Mississippi State Port Authority and USM on this milestone event and look forward to visiting this state-of-the-art
Courtesy Photo | Governor Phil Bryant, officials from the Port of Gulfport and The University of Southern Mississippi gathered today at the Port of Gulfport for the Marine Research Center groundbreaking Nov. 14.
research center once construction is complete.” The addition of a research center further solidifies the partnership between the two state institutions and allows for far-reaching
benefits well beyond the waters of the Mississippi Sound. “This is an opportunity for us to continue our diversification efforts and further develop a partnership that is a direct result of the state’s
investment in the Blue Economy,” said Jonathan Daniels, Mississippi State Port Authority executive director and CEO. “The Port of Gulfport is merely a vehicle for the vision USM has put forth. Through
their leadership, the port, along with the City of Gulfport, will serve as the epicenter of oceanographic research in the Gulf of Mexico.” “If you want to study the Gulf of Mexico and all its unforeseen wonders, the best place to do so is right here at Southern Miss,” said Vice President for Research Gordon Cannon. “The addition of the Port of Gulfport’s Marine Research Center will provide greater opportunities in the areas of academia and research for our students and faculty, and we are pleased to partner with the Port on this important project.” The new Marine Research Center will be an extension of USM’s 135-foot vessel, the R/V Point Sur, who makes her home at the Port of Gulfport and is the only oceanographic research vessel home ported in the northern Gulf of Mexico, east of the Mississippi River. Upon completion, it will be the principal marine operations and support facility for USM’s oceanographic research efforts. The building will include administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories and storage areas. Eley Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi is overseeing the design, and construction will begin in early 2017. Anticipated completion is the first quarter of 2018.
Chi Omega to host 65th annual Songfest on Dec. 4 DAVID TISDALE
southern miss now
The 65th edition of a holiday tradition at The University of Southern Mississippi is set for
Sunday, Dec. 4 when Chi Omega sorority will host Songfest at Reed Green Coliseum on the Hattiesburg campus. Featuring some of the favorite sounds of the season performed by members of the USM Greek Life community,
the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. Songfest is the oldest Greek Life philanthropic event at USM. While there is no cost to attend, donations will be accepted at the door to support the event’s goal of granting
2906 Hardy Street between IHOP and Subway
the wishes of children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Songfest is one of the most rewarding parts of being in Chi Omega,” said chapter president Ellen Suss. “Involving an entire community to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses is awe-inspiring. Together, we directly impact the lives of children in the Hattiesburg community, and my goal is to raise
Courtesy Photo |
enough money to grant wishes for at least five children.” For more information about Songfest, contact the USM Office of Greek Life at 601-2664823 or email ellen.suss@usm. edu. To learn about Southern Miss Greek Life, visit www.usm. edu/greek-life; for information about Chi Omega at USM, visit www.usmchiomega.com.
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FEATURE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
Gallery: USM soccer behind the scenes
Adriana Garcia | USM Senior The USM Golden Eagles soccer team is split up into two lines as assistant coach Nikita leads the girls through various stretches.
CAM BONELLI executive editor The Golden Eagles finished 2016 with eight wins and seven ties, 26 goals scored, five seniors, nine juniors, 10 sophomores, one freshman and their first winning season since 2003. Southern Miss opened the season against The University of Louisiana Warhawks on Aug. 26, with a 1 - 0 win. Sophomore forward Bri Schubeck scored the single goal of the game in the 52nd minute, starting the winning season for the Golden Eagles. USM set an attendance record of 950 at The Mississippi State University game on Sept. 4. Although MSU walked away with the win, senior starting goal keeper Brittany Taylor – hailing from Calgary,
Alberta, Canada – made eight saves. At the non-conference games USM managed to claim six wins, 63 total goal attempts and 18 total goals. The Golden Eagles snagged 11th in standings, a 2-62 in conference play and Taylor managed to set two records in saves and shutouts. In the final game of the season, USM lost to UTEP 5 - 0. Although The Golden Eagles lost, they managed to leave Texas with their first winning season in 13 years. Senior defensive player and Houston native Adriana Garcia documented the final game of USM’s 2016 season through behind-the-scene photos of the girls traveling, stretching and goofing off. Garcia said her photo story, “Behind the Scenes of the USM Soccer Team,” is a perfect portrayal of her time as a
Southern Miss soccer player. “This team has given me more than what I had ever imagined I would receive from college,” Garcia said. “Temmates creat unique bonds that hold something greater than a regular friendship. Between the early morning flights, to Go-Karting on away trips, this team is and will allways be my family.” The Golden Eagles wrapped up 2016 with two members named to All-Conference USA Third Teams on Nov. 1. Juniors Katie Richmond and Becky McMullan earned this spot with a combined 22 points and eight goals. On Nov. 2, Taylor and junior midfielder Lyndsey Lee were named on C-USA AllAcademic First Team. Although five girls are leaving, The Golden Eagles have a promising season for 2017.
Hot on her heels, starting keeper Brittany Taylor (left) is catching up to our fleet-footed fullback Ola Akinniyi (right).
Senior mid-fielder Somer Jones warms up before the game.
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FEATURE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
Photographer’s view of life on the road
Hedin puts her hood up and tries to nap on the bus ride home. USM signs off on an overall winning season for the program.
Taylor leads the team through the Southern Miss chant before the game as the rest of the team echoes in unison.
One of many pre-game rituals depicted here by Allie Baumhower as she writes “Isaiah 40:31”.
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FEATURE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
Senior to leave comedy legacy in ‘Burg NAN BEAUTI
entertainment editor CHAOS and Hub City Comedy will present “Graduation” starring senior entertainment business major Deveron “D” Dennis on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Wilbur Stout Hall on USM’s Hattiesburg campus. The first-time comedy special by Dennis will feature him performing a prepared 30-minute stand-up comedy show. Dennis is a growing talent based out of Hattiesburg and is part of the Hub City comedy scene. He is known by the community as a gifted comic. The show will be hosted in collaboration with CHAOS, or Collective Hip-Hop: An Artistically Original Society. CHAOS, a USM-based organization, has dedicated appreciation to the arts and to self expression since 2006.
“That group is the reason I’m doing stand-up comedy,” Dennis said. “They pushed me. I’m the first comic to ever be in the group, and I’ve done so much for the group. They said they would help me with something that would help me in my career post-graduation.” The show will feature two individuals from CHAOS and two performers from Hub City Comedy, a group in Hattiesburg with the intention to provide a comedy scene for people in the area. According to the group’s founder, Hannibal Buress has performed in Hattiesburg through Hub City Comedy three times. Tig Notaro and other big names have been presented in town through Hub City Comedy. “I’m confident enough in the jokes that they will open up doors for me,” Dennis said. Dennis said the main factor in making him anxious for the performance is his mother’s presence. “Everybody else knows that I’m funny,
but my mom has never seen me do stand-up comedy,” he said. “She’s never heard me curse. I want to be excited, and the only thing that is making me excited is my mom saying she might come.” Dennis, Hub City Comedy, and CHAOS have been preparing for months on the project “I can’t get nervous for my show, but I can for other people’s shows,” Dennis said. “I’ve been rehearsing like crazy. Walking and talking for 30 minutes is exhausting.” Dennis said his favorite topics to perform and what will be included in the show are self deprecation, observational comedy and political comedy. Dennis has been involved in stand-up comedy for nearly four years. He also hosts his own radio show on WUSM. “The freedom of speech that I get doing stand-up has always been important to me,” Dennis said. “I’ve finally found an outlet where I can talk about what I want and let people have a good time. I get to kill two birds in one stone.” Dennis said he observes what society deems funny and comes up with creative jokes. “I’ve been making people laugh since the fifth grade,” he said. “I was always a small kid, and when my big cousin left and went to the middle school, I had to fend for myself. I thought to myself,
‘You’re small, so fighting is not an option for you. How do you not get these people to bully you?’ It was comedy. It started there.” Dennis began his self-expression by dancing. x“I knew I wanted to be an artist, but I didn’t know what kind I wanted to be. Then I went to singing, then I went to rapping, but I have always been funny. Comedy comes so natural to me. It lets me get my feelings out and make people laugh about it. I learned that my humor is my gift.” His talent has brought him attention through word of mouth. Although he does not have a heavy social media presence, Dennis does have a Youtube channel. Dennis has been performing at shows seriously since 2015, being booked in Tennessee, Florida, and all around Mississippi. “I’ve gotten to the point where if I get a call from a number I don’t recognize, I can’t ignore it,” he said. “He’s been coming into his own and I think he’s ready,” said Founder of Hub City Comedy Jamie Arrington. “When he said he wanted to do it, everybody was all in on it. He’s been putting the stuff together for years.” Arrington expects a solid crowd Thursday despite the “tough time of the year” with football, finals and the holidays.
“Deveron can go as far as he wants to go,” Arrington said. “He’s got a lot of stage presence, and he has a likeability factor that not a lot of people have.” Dennis expects to graduate this December and thus intentionally named his piece “Graduation” as a means to leave a legacy at Southern Miss. “This is like my dissertation or thesis,” Dennis said. “I wanted to leave something here. Come out and have a good time before finals. Come have this one good laugh before the stress of finals builds up.”
Courtesy Photo |
Photographer of ‘iconic’ protest image visits USM CAM BONELLI
executive editor
“A photographer once told me that if you get arrested, you can’t take a picture,” said freelance photographer and photojournalist Jonathan Bachman. On July 9, 2016, amid the riots in Baton Rouge over the death of AfricanAmerican man Alton Sterling, who was shot by police in the parking lot of a Triple S Food Mart, Morristown, New Jersey native Bachman used this advice to capture a photo that several media sources call “iconic.” Bachman said the image was being compared to “Kent State,” “Tiananmen Square” and “Fire Child” – photos which he grew up admiring. “It was very fast – it happened in a matter of seconds,” Bachman said. “This was her stand, and she wasn’t moving. They were going to have to come get her. She stood there and accepted that they were going to have to come get here.” Bachman captured a photograph of Pennsylvania school teacher Ieshia Evans showing a peaceful demeanor while being detained by aggressively posed Baton Rouge police who donned full riot gear. The photo spread on social media and garnered national attention overnight. “After that day [of the protest], I took the day off and slept in,” Bachman said. “I woke up the next day around 10 [or] 10:30 a.m. I woke up to about 35
voicemails and 70 missed calls, more than 100 text messages – CNN had called my mom to get in touch with me.” Bachman visited The University of Southern Mississippi on Nov. 22 to recount his experience photographing the protests in Baton Rouge and tell the story behind the image. Students, faculty and staff crowded into a College Hall classroom to hear Bachman’s retelling of the Baton Rouge events, Evans’ role in the photo that captured a nation in the wake of civil rights unrest and how he became a freelance photographer. Bachman said the photo resonates with what is going on in today’s culture and the amount of civil unrest. “People I have met and talked to said, ‘We’ve been trying to tell you this for years,’” Bachman said. “You could tell by their faces. There was an incredible amount of frustration.” USM alumnus and photojournalist Courtland Wells asked Bachman how to keep situational awareness and how to single out these moments when photographing. Bachman said instincts take over and that sometimes it’s luck but mostly preparation. “When I was learning photography, I tried to photograph everyday – even if it was sunsets or cars going by and practicing panning,” Bachman said. “I was listening to my surroundings. I would try to go to an event that the Times-Picayune was covering. I would
compare my images to what they got.” Bachman said his interest in photography began when he was a child. “I just was that kid,” Bachman said. “My dad had a video camera. I’ve always loved photography. My parents got me a camera for Christmas when I was eight years old.” Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Chris Campbell said he thinks the image is “awesome.” “I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t win a Pulitzer Prize,” Campbell said. “I think it’s a powerful image. It’s a testament to the power of photojournalism.” Bachman said when he makes an image, he wants to make a story of what is happening in that moment. “My job is done when I feel satisfied with capturing what’s being said in that exact moment,” Bachman said. “I almost feel like what happens afterwards is out of my hands. It’s up to individuals to decipher the image’s meaning. That’s what I love the most.” Wells said that Bachman’s photo is beautiful, and captures the essence of police brutality in America. “The law enforcement sweeping in in full riot gear towards this woman in a dress standing peacefully posing no threat to anyone simply expressing her beliefs,” Wells said. “I’m not sure if it is iconic, but it is a beautiful image that tells a story. I think time will tell if this image is truly iconic. It is a stand out image through and through.”
OPINION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
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Did Southern Miss redeem itself? Sports reporters react to bowl eligibility ANDREW ABADIE printz reporter The new era of Golden Eagle football under new Head Coach Jay Hopson encountered problems after what looked to be a historic season after starting 4-1. Soon, it became one that fans were wanting to forget after a three-game skid. “A lot of people on the outside don’t understand all of the battles and adversities this team went through,” Hopson said. USM was capable of being the best team in the conference — and then play like the worst team in the conference from week to week. The Golden Eagles look primed to pick up right where they left from last season with a comeback win over favorite Kentucky. Yet after the Kentucky game, the team fell into a pattern of falling behind early, being outscored 132-86 in the first quarters. The win at Kentucky may have given the team false pretenses that they could afford to make mistakes, like the defense learning on its offense to try and bail it out. This trend began to catch up with them in almost every loss in the season with the exception of LSU, then doubling down with the 55-32 loss at Texas-San Antonio. Although the defense was inconsistent, the defensive line was solid throughout the entire year.
The emergence of junior Xavier Thigpen and senior Dylan Bradley combined for 87 tackles, 5 forced fumbles and 26 tackles for loss. Senior safety D’Nerius Antoine led the team with 82 tackles and a forced fumble. The offense itself had one of the most historical seasons in school history with Nick Mullens at the helm. Mullens broke the schools’ career passing yard and touchdown records. At the same time, junior running back Ito Smith proved to be the most clutch player on the offense making big plays when the team needed them, totaling 1,774 total yards and 16 touchdowns averaging 5.5 yards a carry. Heading into the final week of the regular season, Louisiana Tech was on a seven-game win streak and coming to USM as a 14.5 point favorite. A combination of senior day, the return of Mullens and a need for one more win to make the team bowl-eligible, led to a release of all their frustrations, thrashing the Bulldogs 39-24. “This team never quit,” Hopson said. “Even though we didn’t win all the games we wanted to win, we battled through a lot. I don’t know if I’ve ever been prouder of a football team in my life.” The win made the Golden Eagles bowl-eligible for the 20th time in 23 seasons and for the second time in a row.
Amit Tripathi | Printz Head Coach Jay Hopson reacts to a call during USM’s 39 - 24 win against La. Tech on Nov. 25 at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
KYLE WILLIAMS GRANT CHIGHIZOLA printz reporter The Golden Eagles entered the 2016 season with high expectations after a stellar 9-5 campaign in 2015, which included representing the West Division in the Conference USA championship game and an appearance in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Despite having to adjust to a new coaching staff led by former Alcorn State Head Coach Jay Hopson, the Golden Eagles were selected to win the West Division for the second year in a row when the C-USA preseason media poll was released in July. The Golden Eagles also had the advantage of returning key players from 2015 like quarterback Nick Mullens, running back Ito Smith and defensive lineman Dylan Bradley. After a hot 4-1 start to the season, which included a 44-35
upset victory over SEC opponent Kentucky in the first week of the season, it looked as if the Southern Miss squad would live up to those preseason expectations. Then, the Golden Eagles season started to trend downward. Texas-San Antonio hung 55 points on the Golden Eagles on Oct. 8, followed by a 45-10 defeat at the hands of LSU the next week. While the team was able to get within one win of bowl eligibility during their Oct. 29 homecoming contest against Marshall, the threegame losing streak that followed would define the season for Southern Miss. Quarterbacks Nick Mullens and Parker Adamson would both suffer injuries during a 38-27 loss against Charlotte, forcing Hopson to burn the redshirt off inexperienced freshman quarterback Keon Howard who gave the Golden Eagles a powerful dual-threat presence at the quarterback position, but he also had major turnover issues.
Howard committed five turnovers in a 51-35 loss in his first start at Old Dominion, followed by a four turnover performance the next week during a 29-23 loss at North Texas. With a record of 5-6 heading into their final game against Louisiana Tech, the Golden Eagles were able to salvage their season. Quarterback Nick Mullens returned to action after a two-week absence to lead the team to a 39-24 victory over La. Tech to secure bowl eligibility. While the 2016 regular season was a disappointment due to the team’s turnover problems and injuries at the quarterback position, the chance to play in a bowl game and the possibility of finishing the season with a winning record is a big positive for the Golden Eagles and their fans after an up-and-down season.
printz reporter For every rise, there is a fall. Southern Miss was projected to win the C-USA West Division but finishing the second half of the season 2-5, killing conference championship hopes. Finishing 6-6 on the season with a bowl game being obtainable can be considered a fairly good season for the Golden Eagles, but much more was expected. Everyone knows about all the new faces Southern Miss acquired this season. Many questions were in the air about what they could bring but after the 44-35 comeback win against Kentucky in the first game of the season, many of those concerns were silenced. From Kentucky to Rice, Southern Miss was showing how dominant it could be. A shutout win against Savannah State and only allowing Texas-El Paso to score once proved defensively the Golden Eagles were on track for a good season. After defeating Rice, Southern Miss’ schedule consisted of two games that were up in the air — LSU and La. Tech — and the remaining teams should have favored the Golden Eagles to win
compared to last years turnout. A 23-point loss to Texas-San Antonio raised many eyebrows but was not much to worry about as it was only USM’s second loss. The loss to SEC powerhouse LSU was also not a concern. But when Charlotte handed Southern Miss a loss, concerns started to surface again. A four-year old program with a fairly young roster against the mature Golden Eagles was in no doubt on paper an easy win. Southern Miss’ luck did not end there as they dropped the next two games to North Texas and Old Dominion to continue the three-game losing streak. At 5-6, Southern Miss was one win away from missing bowl eligibility. With La .Tech being the last game and considering they are C-USA West champions, a 6-6 season did not look obtainable for the Golden Eagles. After winning 39-24, is 6-6 good enough? With the Golden Eagles having a fairly easy schedule this year, many could have seen a 10-2 or 9-3 record being highly obtainable. So 6-6 can be a let down to some but not far from a productive year. If Southern Miss ends the season winningz a bowl game, one cannot be mad but if they do not much more talk will come into play
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SPORTS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
2016 season outlook for USM football ANDREW ABADIE
printz reporter
It is no secret that a question mark hangs over next season for Southern Miss football. Coach Jay Hopson showed promise in his first season, but has many things he must improve on. Although this past year had some success, it could still be considered a letdown. The majority of the 2015 team returned and seemed to be primed to pick up where they left off. Hopson’s program was primed for a winning season, but took the team to a limping finish of 6 - 6.
The Golden Eagles will not only have to replace one of the best quarterbacks in school history, but many key starters on both sides of the ball. The first thing to watch in the upcoming offseason will be the quarterback battle between Parker Adamson and Keon Howard, who was forced to burn his redshirt this past season. Despite being on the team for several seasons, Adamson has seen very little play time. Adamson could be a solid quarterback but he remains an overall mystery. Howard, on the other hand, shows much potential and brings a different dynamic to the team through his
legs. If Howard can protect the ball, he should get the job. The offense itself may need to change its dynamic and become more of a running team. The return of running backs George Payne, and Ito Smith may make the run-game the backbone of the play calling. If Howard does earn the starting the job, the team will surely be a run first team. The majority of the offensive line will return with many having experience from this past season. The receiving corps will lose leader D.J. Thompson, but the emergence of Chase Whitehead, Korey Robertson and Allenzae Staggers will keep them solid. The receiving corps can also
turn to Julian Allen and Isaiah Thomas, who are talented playmakers adding to the arsenal of returning weapons on offense. Defense is a different story since many key playmakers will be gone. Senior defensive lineman Dylan Bradley will be the biggest loss. Bradley’s presence will be missed as he was second on the team with 59 tackles, 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Safety D’Nerius Antoine will be another major loss as he led the team in tackles with 82. However, ball-hawking junior Picasso Nelson Jr. and junior bulldozer Xavier Thigpen will return and have to become the
Shraddha Bhatta | Printz The Southern Miss offensive line lines up against the Louisiana Tech defense on Nov. 25 at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
leaders of the secondary and defensive line. The team next season will have many returning starters but will lose major impact players in key positions on both sides of the ball. Whether Hopson has players that are ready to fill those positions is unknown. A strong recruiting class may be needed to help the team find more success. The Golden Eagles may have a rough start next season since they will have to play Tennessee early. Once they learn how to play in sync with each other, they can walk away with another winning season and make another bowl game.