As a part of this week’s football preview, ASOR welcomes Heath Hinton for this week’s edition of “Ask A Beat Writer.” Hinton is an editor for “Big Gold Nation,” which is a media site that covers Southern Miss athletics on the Rivals network.
Southern Miss has had their previous two games cancelled due to COVID-19 reasons. Have they controlled that l, and how will not playing for two weeks have an affect on this Golden Eagles team?
Heath Hinton: I am not really sure if any team can control the Covid situation. Yes they have had to cancel the last 2 weeks, but the first cancellation was due to FAU not being able to play not Southern Miss. Yes Covid did cause Southern Miss to cancel against UTEP, but injuries have really hit the Eagles as well. The Coaches were happy to get the extra practice time and felt as if they were able to work with younger players to build depth, something everyone missed in 2020 with Spring cancelled. They don’t feel as if the 2 weeks off hurt because they were able to get injured players back healthy.
Jack Abraham is a talented passer and is the best QB the Flames will have faced this season. What’s the key to stopping him?
HH: The key to stopping Abraham is to not let him get in a rhythm. If he gets hot, he is tough to stop. Teams have to get pressure in his face and make him uncomfortable.
The Flames have the 6th best rushing attack in the nation. How do you expect Southern Miss to stop it, and what will they need to do to be successful?
HH: The Golden Eagle defense has had issues stopping the big plays this season. Their top 2 LB’s (Bozeman and Latham) have been out and we are not sure when they will be back. They have also had a few DL out (Cole, Sykes). Getting those guys back will help the defense. The defense had its best game of the season stopping the run against North Texas. The biggest thong for this defense will be to keep things in front of them, not give up the big plays, and make the Flames earn those extra yards.
What individual player or unit could sway this game into the Golden Eagle’s favor?
HH: The WR Corp is the most dangerous group for the Eagles. Even with Tim Jones being sidelined, this group can beat you deep and underneath by turning a short pass into a big play with their ability to run after the catch. With the emergence of Frank Gore Jr and Darius Mayberry running the football, the RB Corp is now a serious threat as well.
What is your prediction for the game?
HH: I really never give a prediction, but I will put it like this. With the news that Scotty Walden tested positive for Covid, the Eagles may have their 3rd HC this season on the sidelines Saturday. To go through what this group has gone through and they have continued to get better every game since the Tulane game. If the team plays as well as their talent level is, this could be a fun game.
