2007 PapaJohns.com Bowl Preview

#20 Cincinnati (9-3, 4-3; Big East) vs. Southern Miss (7-5, 5-3; CUSA)

December 22, 2007 @ 1:00 PM (EST) - ESPN2 – Legion Field - Birmingham, AL

The second annual PapaJohns.com Bowl pairs up schools that are familiar with one another from their days spent as Conference USA brethren.

After 17 very successful years as head coach at his alma mater, the Jeff Bower era will come to a close when his Golden Eagles take on Cincinnati. Bower, who spent a combined 28 years as a player, graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and head coach at Southern Miss, led the program to 15 winning seasons—including 14 straight—and bowl appearances in ten of the last 11 seasons. The USM program also graduated a FBS public university high 92 percent of its players in 2006 as well. Despite the success, director of athletics Richard Giannini opted to make a change citing increasing displeasure amongst the fanbase.

The 2007 Golden Eagles won their final two games to finish 7-5 overall.

Cincinnati’s first year coach, Brian Kelly, who came to UC after successful stints at Division II Grand Valley State and then Central Michigan of the MAC, has continued to build on the momentum created by current Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio. The Bearcats’ 9-3 mark has resulted in Kelly’s name being dropped in the hat for current openings around the nation.

Cincy, which is making its third bowl appearance in the past four seasons, has an opportunity to win ten games for the first time since 1951. The Bearcats dominated non-conference opponents—outscoring them 232-53—to start the year 5-0 before going 4-3 in the Big East. Their most impressive win out of the league was the 34-3 blowout victory over an Oregon State team that ended up 8-4.

UC has done it with offense, as it has set school records for points (441), touchdowns (59), and passing touchdowns (32). Quarterback Ben Mauk, who transferred to play his final year of eligibility after graduating from Wake Forest, overcame a shoulder injury to throw for 2,787 yards and 27 scores. His top target was redshirt freshman wide receiver Marcus Barnett who has 845 yards and 13 scores receiving.

Conversely, Southern Miss prefers to establish the run first. The Golden Eagles are at their best when they can get star sophomore Damion Fletcher on track. Fletcher, who is 14 th nationally with just over 119 yards per game, has 15 rushing touchdowns. He was awarded the Conerly Trophy, which is given to the top college football player in the state of Mississippi.

When it hasn’t been able to run, USM has struggled to move it consistently through the air. Senior quarterback Jeremy Young has only completed 53 percent of his 192 passes and has missed the presence of wide receiver Chris Johnson over the last half of the season. The Bearcats will have to contend with wideout Torris Magee (42-617) and stud tight end Shawn Nelson (30-433).

Both teams rely heavily on forcing turnovers. Cincy has forced 39 turnovers—23 of which have been interceptions. Southern Miss has forced 24 miscues, but have given it up 26 times as well.

For the Golden Eagles to have a chance, they will need to receive a supreme defensive effort. Linebacker Gerald McRath, who was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, averages nearly 11 stops per game (13th nationally). He will need to have a solid game, but the spotlight will really be on first-team all-CUSA cornerback Brandon Sumrall. Sumrall, who has five interceptions, will be forced to contain UC’s Barnett.

Southern Miss will likely put forth an inspired effort for departing coach Jeff Bower and Cincinnati is the most penalized team in the nation after having 114 flags thrown on them this year. However, the Bearcats are 15th nationally against the run—allowing only 105.7 yards per game—and rank first in the Big East. Fletcher likely won’t be able to get on track, which will result on too much of a load being placed on the inconsistent passing game.

Cincinnati 34 - Southern Miss 17

Find more 2007-2008 College Bowl previews at College Sports Fans.