University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Need To Win Turnover Battle
9/12/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Eagles Need To Win Turnover Battle
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Southern Miss finished preparation today for Saturday's C-USA opener when the Memphis Tigers visit Roberts Stadium for a 6 p.m., game, and Head Coach Jeff Bower says, as always, turnovers can be a factor in winning or losing.
"Last week in Conference USA games, there were turnovers that were factors in the games," Bower said. "Turnovers were a factor in us losing to Memphis last season. We were 6-0 when we won the turnover margin, 0-5 when we didn't. That says it all. We stress ball security every day. We also practice creating turnovers every day.
"If you execute your assignment right, and use correct technique, turnovers are less of a factor. It's a matter of making sure you execute consistently. Many times, turnovers are a result of a broken protection."
Bower also says fans will see a pair of solid sophomore quarterbacks in the game. "(Danny) Wimprine has more experience than our guy (Micky D'Angelo), but I also like the way ours has played the first two games," Bower said. "It's not hard to see how much more confidence Wimprine has gotten over last year, primarily because of all the experience he has gotten."
Memphis won last year's game, in Memphis, 22-17, snapping a seven-game Southern Miss win streak. Bower is 8-3 against the Tigers as a head coach, including a 5-0 mark in Hattiesburg.
Saturday's game also will feature a fireworks display following the conclusion of the game. That display will be shot from the practice fields north of the stadium and fans are encouraged to remain in the stands to view the patriotic display that will pay tribute to the victims of he 9-11-01 tragedy.
