University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Make Changes, Get Ready For Bearcats
10/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Eagles Make Changes, Get Ready For Bearcats
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Following a disappointing loss at South Florida, Southern Miss coaches made changes on the special teams, the offense and the defense, and then quickly proceeded to go about their business of getting ready for Saturday's homecoming game against Cincinnati.
Originally scheduled for 2 p.m., the game has been moved to 1 p.m., because of an improvement project on the stadium lighting system that will make the lights unavailable for the Cincinnati game.
Head Coach Jeff Bower says the fact that both teams are coming off losses, and that it's a Conference USA game, makes it all the more important for both teams. "It absolutely does," Bower says. "We're undefeated in the league, they're 1-1, and I'm sure their thoughts are that they can get right back in the the race with a win. It's an important game for both teams."
Bower also says the Bearcats are a better team than their 2-4 record indicates. "They really throw the ball around," Bower said. "They're somewhat balanced on offense, and their quarterback is a really good player, I like their running back as well, and they have probably the best group of receivers in the league, when you look at them statistically. They're ranked 1-2-3 in the league in receptions. Defensively, they're active and we'll see a lot of zone blitzes, things we haven't seen a lot of this season."
The series with the Bearcats has been a hotly-contested one, with most of the games close, and decided late. "These games are always hard-fought and close, and usually go down to the bitter end," said Bower. "I can't remember a game, or if I can, it has been a long time, that it was easy on either side of the ball. It's always tough, always close."
A variety of homecoming activities will take place throughout the long weekend, and tickets remain available at the Athletic Ticket Office in The Ferlise Center, or by calling 601-266-5418 or 1-800-844-TICK.
