The “Across the (By)Line” series will give Kentucky football fans an in-depth look at their opponent for this week — from the mind of the opposing school’s sports editor.
This week: The Student Printz, Dima Mixon, Southern Mississippi
It’s common knowledge at this point that the Golden Eagles got the better of the Cats in Lexington in 2016. How much is that game discussed on campus and has it been brought up this week leading into the game?
“I know that head football coach Will Hall and the players watched that game earlier this week in preparation for this game and it has been discussed among the players. Where it gets lost is that even in just eight years, Southern Miss football is so drastically different than it was back then.
“You have a whole new head coach, (athletic director) and staff around them during that game. On campus, I don’t think it has been discussed that much. It’s like everyone knows it happened, but people don’t think this team is on the same level as the 2015-16 years, and so it’s a nice memory but not reality anymore.”
Taking the field with former FSU quarterback Tate Rodemaker, what are you looking to see out of him? How do you expect him to fare in Hattiesburg?
“What’s funny is that Hall hasn’t even named a starting quarterback yet. But we all expect it to be him. I am looking to see a veteran presence and mind in the pocket, especially on Saturday night.
“During the entire Hall era, the quarterback position has been the one that has just never lived up to the expectations. Rodemaker has to be able to get the ball out quickly; he has to be able to throw the ball downfield, and stand in the pocket and take a hit while delivering a throw.
“As far as how he will do over the season, time will tell. It sounds like a cop-out, but with USM’s track record at QB, you just don’t know what to expect. Personally, I like his backup much better for the starting role in Ethan Crawford, who, by the way, Wildcat fans will be seeing on Saturday night as well.”
What is it that worries you the most about Southern Miss’s chances against this Kentucky team? What will be the key to a USM victory?
“When you look at this Kentucky team and what that defense imposes on this fairly young and inexperienced Southern Miss offense, that is the scariest part for me.
“You have a nasty defensive line that starts with Deone Walker, a monster. The offensive line issues have been a consistent key in Hall’s era and even while I think they have improved greatly on that front, this is going to be a huge task to give Rodemaker time in the pocket.
“Also, the secondary has a lot of questions. They lost their veteran and captain back there, MJ Daniels, in a tragic incident where he was murdered this summer. They have dedicated the season to him. They will be really tested by a good quarterback in (Brock) Vandagriff.”
When the dust settles, what do you think the final result will be? Do you have a score prediction?
“My score prediction is 45-14 Kentucky. I just don’t think Southern Miss has a chance to run the ball against that front and if they can’t move the ball and keep it away from the Wildcats, it will be a long night.
“This is going to be a great receiving core that the secondary will have to answer for, and I am not sure they will. This is not the 2016 Southern Miss team with Nick Mullens and Ito Smith and that defense against a mediocre Kentucky team. This is a questionable roster full of transfers going up against a veteran and talented Wildcats team on the road and at night. I expect the Cats to cruise with little to no worry.”
