Southern Mississippi @ East Carolina preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 9, 2010 ) East Carolina 44, Southern Mississippi 43

THE STORY: Sole possession of first place in the Conference USA East Division will be on the line when No. 24 Southern Miss travels to take on East Carolina. The Golden Eagles, who haven’t lost since early September, are coming off a 31-13 victory over Texas-El Paso. Southern Mississippi was tied at the half, but outscored the Miners 21-10 in the final two quarters to earn its sixth straight victory. East Carolina, which has won three straight games after starting the season 1-4, is coming off a 34-13 victory over Tulane. The Pirates racked up 336 passing yards and outgained the Green Wave 461-266.

TV: CSS, WITN-TV (Washington, N.C.). LINE: Southern Miss -8.5.

ABOUT SOUTHERN MISS (7-1, 3-1): Led by quarterback Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi is off to its best start since 1996. Davis has thrown for 2,014 yards and 17 touchdowns as the Golden Eagles average more than 36 points. His two favorite receivers, Ryan Balentine and Kelvin Bolden, have combined for 872 yards and 10 scores. Much of Southern Mississippi's success can be attributed to its two-headed ground attack, which ranks 18th at 215.5 yards per game. Despite missing some games, Kendrick Hardy leads the team in rushing with 426 yards and two touchdowns and Jamal Woodyard has added three scores for the Golden Eagles, who allow fewer than 19 points defensively.

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (4-4, 3-1): Quarterback Dominique Davis and wide receiver Lance Lewis fuel East Carolina’s 11th-ranked passing attack that averages more than 312 yards. Lewis, who has 600 receiving yards, has caught eight of Davis’ 15 touchdown passes for the Pirates, who have scored more than 30 points in three straight games. However, without an efficient passing game, the Pirates would likely struggle on offense as they rank 112th in rushing with less than 95 yards. East Carolina’s defense, which allows more than 31 points, will have to be better if the Pirates plan on winning a fourth straight game.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Southern Mississippi is 80-33 overall and 39-18 on the road against Conference USA opponents.

2. East Carolina has won 12 of its last 13 conference home games, including 10 straight over opponents from the East Division.

3. The Golden Eagles are 15-3 on the road against the Pirates, but lost their last trip there 25-20 in 2009.

PREDICTION: Southern Mississippi 35, East Carolina 21 - The Golden Eagles have too many offensive weapons and will take advantage of the Pirates' subpar defense.