Frogs have new worry in Derrick Nix
The Frogs avoided having to face Derrick Nix last season, arguably Southern Miss’ best player. That will not be the case on Wednesday.
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor

Last year against Southern Miss, the Frogs held the Golden Eagles as a team to 94 yards rushing on 30 attempts.

But they didn’t have to face Derrick Nix.

While much of the national attention for running backs goes to Miami’s Willis McGahee or Ohio State’s Maurice Clarett, Nix is putting together quite a senior season at Southern Miss.

Through seven games in 2002, Nix has rushed for 821 yards (117.3 a game) and nine touchdowns. He also has caught 10 passes for 113 yards. His statistics have garnered him Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors twice this year.

The TCU coaching staff had the luxury of ignoring the talented tailback in last year’s game planning. Complications from medication while rehabilitating an ankle sprain early in the 2000 season resulted in Nix sitting out the majority of the season with kidney problems, and redshirting in 2001.

Now the 6 foot 2 inch, 225-pound Nix becomes one of the main focal points in Wednesday’s game for TCU. The Frogs have played against schools like SMU and North Texas this season, who emphasize a power running attack. However, neither of those teams have back a back of Nix’s caliber.

Senior free safety Kenneth Hilliard said the defense was aware that stopping the run would be a major emphasis. He said that he expects the team to mainly focus in on the backfield of Southern Miss, and defend the pass when necessary.

Defensive coordinator David Bailiff said that Nix will be the toughest running back assignment given to the Frogs No. 3 ranked rushing defense in the regular season.

“No doubt he’s the premiere back in this conference,” Bailiff said. “He’s big, fast and elusive. He’s everything you could look for (as a coach), and an all-around great running back.”

What helps makes Nix so effective is the Southern Miss offensive line. A veteran group that has made a total of 92 career starts, the line is led by seniors Torrin Tucker and Jeremy Bridges, who both weigh more than 300 pounds.

Head coach Gary Patterson said he is impressed with the Golden Eagles’ front five.

“They’re big and they’re really athletic” Patterson said. “Up to this point we have not played an offensive line like theirs. It’s the strength of their offense.”

Bailiff also had good things to say about the Southern Miss’ offensive line.

“This offensive line we’re about to face looks to me like they have three potential draft picks,” Bailiff said. “This is without a doubt the most physical line in the conference because of their seniors that have played together.”

Danny Gillham