Despite thumping, USM's Jeff Bower upbeat

By By Stan Caldwell / EMG sports writer
Nov. 26, 2002
HATTIESBURG For a coach whose team had just been embarrassed by its closest rival two days before, Jeff Bower was in a surprisingly chipper mood.
The University of Southern Mississippi football coach met the media Monday for his weekly press briefing, and he was pretty candid about his team's 31-10 loss Saturday in New Orleans at the hands of Tulane University.
Or as defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix put it, "Bottom line, we just got physically whipped in the ball game."
USM, now 6-5 overall and 4-3 in Conference USA, turns its attention now to its 2002 regular-season finale, Saturday against East Carolina (4-6, 4-2) at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Golden Eagle coaches are clearly hoping the sting of the Tulane defeat will spark some life into what has been an up-and-down team.
As one might expect, the USM staff chose no players of the week, coming after its second blowout loss of the season.
It was on defense that the Golden Eagles' pride was hurt the worst, as Tulane rang up 391 yard of offense, including 226 on the ground, as Green Wave tailback Mewelde Moore had a big day, rushing for 136 yards on 32 carries and a touchdown, and catching five passes for 58 yards.
USM's offense had its moments, but hurt itself with four turnovers, losing two fumbles and two interceptions. Derrick Nix ran for 90 yards on 19 carries, and Micky D'Angelo had a solid game, completing 22 of 38 passes for 211 yards.
Southern Miss still has plenty to play for as it approaches its finale. The Golden Eagles remain high on the list for several of the bowls with C-USA tie-ins. The Houston Bowl is reported to be ready to invite USM, win or lose Saturday.
However, Bower and the USM coaches aren't even thinking a bowl. They just want to zero in on ECU as if it's the last game the Eagles will play, because it could well be.
Bower didn't shy away from talk about the long-term direction of the team, and the disappointment of what is already a five-loss season.
ECU comes in after upsetting league leader TCU 31-28 on Saturday. The Pirates have a high-powered offense under the direction of sophomore quarterback Paul Troth, who has completed just over 50 percent of his passes for 1,978 yards and 14 touchdowns.
But Troth has also thrown 18 interceptions, and ECU has been giving up 33.3 points and 445.2 yards of offense a game.
The Golden Eagles come out of the Tulane game relatively injury-free. Cornerback Greg Brooks was limited in practice Monday, after suffering a sprained ankle, but he should be fit by Saturday.