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Cowboys vs. Golden Eagles Position by Position Quarterback- The Cowboys are very excited about the return of Aso Pogi, as they should be, he has shown much potential. However, the Golden Eagles don't have to worry about the "potential" coming through the surface, they return Jeff Kelly who threw 18 touchdowns and completed 57% of his passes in 2000. Advantage- Southern Mississippi Running Back- The loss of Derrick Nix is one that hit this team hard despite the fact that he missed most of 2000 with a kidney ailment that also will keep him out in 2001, but they were expecting a huge return from him this season. However, DaWayne Woods had a solid season in 2000 with over four yards per carry. As we saw last season Tatum Bell has breakaway speed and killer moves, expect a big season from Bell. Advantage- Oklahoma State Receiver- Neither team has depth that will keep defensive coordinators up over-night, but they do have at least one solid receiver and that "potential" thing. The Eagles have LeRoy Handy and the Cowboys have Rashaun Woods, down the line is where the worrying begins. Advantage- Push Offensive Line- Both teams appear to be in terrific shape, the Pokes have 4 of 5 guys back on the line while the Eagles have everyone back from the 2000 campaign. The difference, aside from Southern Miss being at home, is that the Eagles are all back from the same offensive scheme and the Pokes had to learn a new one. Advantage- Southern Mississippi Defensive Line- Both teams appear to be in the exact opposite position on this side of the ball with just one guy back on both defensive lines. Since there isn't much to go from here, we'll see what happens on Saturday morning. Advantage- Push Linebacker- Dwayne Levels is an all-conference caliber linebacker who is the spirit of this defense and Terrence Robinson is a great compliment to his style. Southern Mississippi's Rod Davis was the team's second leading tackler and Roy Magee is an above average linebacker in a strong defense. Advantage- Oklahoma State Secondary- The Pokes had one of the worst passing defenses in America in 2000 while the Eagles had one of the all-around best defenses in America in 2000. Southern Miss returns their leading tackler in safety Chad Williams to shore up an otherwise inexperienced secondary. Oklahoma State must prove something against the pass before they are ranked ahead of anyone. Advantage- Southern Mississippi Special Teams- This is a no-contest, Scott Elder is back for Oklahoma State, but the field goal situation is one that brings many worries. The Eagles return both Brant Hanna and Mark Haulman, who were very strong in 2000. Advantage- Southern Mississippi Coaching- I believe that Les Miles and his staff will end up being one of the better staffs in the Big 12 , but Jeff Bower and his staff have proven that they can win. Built on defense, Southern Mississippi is a success in an area where nobody thought they could be, with all the powers around them. Advantage- Southern Mississippi SUMMARY- I believe this will be a very entertaining game with the fast, swarming Southern Miss defense against the exciting, innovative Les Miles offense. The Les Miles era will be a prosperous one for the Cowboys, even though it may begin with a loss. However, don't be surprised if the Pokes return to Stillwater at 1-0.
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