OSU vs. 

Southern Mississippi 

Preview

Quarterbacks-

The Eagles Jeff Kelly looked good against Alabama with 159 yards and a touchdown.  Tony Lindsay has looked solid with no mistakes in the first two games.

Advantage-  Even

Running Backs-

Oklahoma State's Reggie White has come out blazing against Tulsa and SWTSU with back to back 100 yard games.  The Eagles Derrick Nix is returning from a 1,200 yard season and looking to better that this season.

Advantage-  Southern Mississippi

Receivers-

OSU's Willie Young has been decent through the first two games, but look for Marcellus Rivers to get most of the action against Southern Miss.  The Eagles lost talent from '99 and have failed to find the go to guy in 2000.

Advantage-  Oklahoma State

Offensive Line-  

Southern Mississippi returns good size and talent, while OSU's inexperienced line will be tested for the first time on Saturday.

Advantage-  Southern Mississippi

Defensive Line-

Juqua Thomas and the Cowboys have a strong unit returning and have looked good so far.  However, the Southern Mississippi line is big, strong, and experienced.

Advantage-  Southern Mississippi

Linebackers-

Both teams return little experience from 1999 but have great young talent in waiting.  The edge here goes to the Eagles due to strong showings against strong teams this season.

Advantage-  Southern Mississippi

Defensive Backs-  

Oklahoma State was torn apart by Tulsa and faired well against SWTSU while Southern Mississippi has shut down two top 25 teams this year.

Advantage-  Southern Mississippi

Special Teams-

Southern Mississippi lost a solid punter from '99 and return a average kicker in Brant Hanna.  Oklahoma State has been good in 2000 and have had consistent success in the Simmons era.

Advantage- Oklahoma State