Three Keys to Victory
1. Contain Nix
In Southern Miss’ five victories, senior running back Derrick Nix has averaged 127.6 yards a game. In the Golden Eagles’ two losses, he has averaged 91.5. The Frogs hope their No. 3 ranked rushing defense can keep the talented back under control, forcing Southern Miss into throwing the ball more. That type of game is not something that Southern Miss coaches do not want to put on the shoulders of redshirt freshman Dustin Almond or sophomore Mickey D’Angelo.

2. Limit mistakes
TCU/Southern Miss games are typically low-scoring and defensive minded. Field position and ball control are more critical than usual when playing the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss has defensive stars like linebacker Rod Davis and safety Etric Pruitt who will capitalize on turnovers made by the Frog attack. TCU has done a good job of keeping their penalties down as well, having committed just 53 in seven games. That’s a stat the team needs to continue to keep low.

3. Home advantage
On Southern Miss’ field in Hattiesburg, you can find the phrase, “Anyone. Anywhere. Anytime.” They take this slogan to heart at home, winning eight out of their last nine games at M. M. Roberts Stadium. The only two losses for the Golden Eagles this season have come on the road and they are in Fort Worth to play the Frogs. While the team says it doesn’t feel Southern Miss will be rattled by being on the road, it as an advantage the teams hope to use in their minds to get a victory.