The Big 3 Report by Jason “Gator” Pigott
(Gator's Take Season Record: 9-4)
Southern Mississippi (3-0) vs. Houston (1-5)
The Eagles defense continued their early season domination Saturday over South Florida . They
held the Bulls to only 205 total yards, swiped four interceptions, and recorded three sacks in leading
the Eagles to a 27-20 win.
Despite the defense's stellar effort, mistakes by the USM special teams unit allowed the Bulls to hang
around. A missed snap on a punt, a partially blocked punt, and a fielded punt inside the 5-yard line
gave South Florida plenty of opportunities, but the defense rose to the occasion each time to preserve
the win.
The Eagle offense had another solid performance. They piled up over 320 yards of offense and earned
21 first downs, but faded in the fourth quarter. QB Dustin Almond was an effective 14 of 27 passing
for 200 yards and 2 TD. However, the running game was not as effective. As a team, the Eagles only
averaged a little over two yards per carry.
Thursday night on ESPN2, the Golden Eagles will get to play host for the first time this season as they
entertain the Houston Cougars. Houston had a promising 2003 season by finishing 7-6 overall and 4-4
in C-USA. On paper, it appeared the Cougars would be even better in 2004 and some (experts)
predicted a C-USA title could be in sight. 17 starters returned from last season (8 offense, 9 defense),
including QB Kevin Kolb. Kolb, then only a freshman, passed for 25 TD in 2003, led C-USA in passing
efficiency, and named the conference's Freshman of the Year.
Well, what a difference a year makes. A fourth quarter win against Army (owns nation's longest current
losing streak - 19 games) is the Cougars only victory thus far. Last week, Houston was shelled again, this
time by Memphis 41-14. The once high-powered offense failed to score until there was six minutes left
in the game. (Note: To whoever has kidnapped the Cougar team from last year, please keep them one more
week. Thank you.)
Gators take: The Cougars have faced two of college football's best this season (At Oklahoma , and vs.
Miami , FL ) and were pounded in each game. Each were lopsided defeats, but the experience gained from
those contests might be beneficial. The Eagles will be looking ahead to playing Alabama in Tuscaloosa
next week so the timing couldn't be better for the Cougars, if they haven't already “packed it in.” The only
fight we'll see out of Houston Thursday night will be over who is first in line for the post-game meal.
The Eagles are looking ahead and still will improve to 4-0 for the first time since 1981.
EAGLES 38 Cougars 14
Ole Miss (2-3) at #25 South Carolina (4-1)
The Rebels pulled out a 28-21 homecoming win over Arkansas St. Saturday, but it wasn't easy. Surprisingly,
the Indians (1-5) moved the ball at will and finished with over 400 yards of total offense including 185 yards
rushing. The Rebels trailed 14-13 at halftime but turned things around in the 3 rd quarter. The defense caused
two turnovers that the offense converted into two touchdowns and the Rebels held on for the win.
The Ole Miss offense played well and was a definite bright spot. QB Ethan Flatt was efficient going 18-24
for 179 yards and 2 TD. More importantly, the Rebels only committed one turnover in the game. Vashon
Pearson rushed for 135 yards. It is the third consecutive game in which he has eclipsed the 100-yard mark,
the first Rebel RB to do so since Deuce McAllister in 1999.
South Carolina has yet to allow a 100-yard rushing game to a running back this year and has only surrendered
a total of 36 points. Last week the Gamecocks beat a physical Alabama team 20-3 and did so with a strong
running game of their own. Despite completing only four passes all day, South Carolina pounded away at a
solid Crimson Tide defense and finished with 223 yards rushing.
This week the Gamecocks will be without starting QB Dondrail Pinkins. Pinkins re-injured his shoulder in
last week's game and won't be able to suit up this week. It's a good thing too. Last year Pinkins passed for
300 yards and 4 TD. This week the Gamecocks will rely even more on the running game as sophomore
QB Syvelle Newton will get the start.
Gator's Take: It is just me, or is someone's seat getting a little warm in Oxford ? In their three home games
this season, the Rebels have lost to Memphis , and have had to come from behind in wins over Vanderbilt and
Arkansas St . To qualify for a bowl game, the Rebels must win three of their final six games (at South Carolina,
vs. Tennessee , vs. Auburn , at Arkansas , at LSU, vs. MSU). From what I have seen so far, this isn't likely to
happen. If the Rebels defense can't cause some turnovers early, the Gamecocks will control the clock and the
game.
GAMECOCKS 35 Rebels 19
Vanderbilt snapped a 14-game losing streak against SEC Western Division Teams on Saturday by beating the
Bulldogs 31-13.
Backup QB Kyle York got his first start in place of the injured Omarr Conner and didn't have much fun. York
turned it over four times (3 INT, 1 Fumble) and completed only fifty percent of his pass attempts. The only
bright spot was RB Jerious Norwood who scored twice including a 10-yd TD run in the first quarter run to
give the Bulldogs a short lived lead of 7-3. Vanderbilt closed the door soon after that. The next four Bulldog
possessions produced two punts and two turnovers and the Commodores led 24-7 at the half.
This week MSU will play UAB from C-USA. The Blazers return 18 players from a year ago and are one of
the nation's most underrated teams. Their only loss was to Florida State in Tallahassee. UAB is led by QB
Darryl Hackney and an offense that features WR Roddy White. Hackney is a playmaker at QB, but has been
known to make the “big mistake” late in games. White (6'3”, 205) is a game-breaker that cannot be covered
at this level of football. He leads the Blazers in receptions (20) and has 5 TD.
Gator's Take: This is an easy one. UAB wants some respect from the national media. Although a mere win
over State this year won't aid their cause, putting a big number on the scoreboard on the road against an SEC
school would raise some eyebrows.
Judging by the schedule, UAB will probably be (9-1) heading into Hattiesburg Nov. 27th .