The Student Printz August 30, 2017

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SARAH ANNE SCHLOEMER Webmaster sarah.schloemer@usm.edu

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KAITLYN WATKINS

KENYATTA S. ROSS

HIBA TAHIR

NATHANIEL SCHUMANN

MORGAN CLARK

KYLE WILLIAMS

ALYSSA BASS

CAMERON CUMMINS

JHAIMEE BULLOCK

AMBER COBBINS

Sep. 1 Downtown Tailgate @ The Porter 5 p.m.

Friday Night at the Fountain @ USM’s Centennial Green 7 p.m.

ASHLEY HOBSON

CHUCK COOK

Sep. 2 Tailgating in the District and Spirit Park @ USM noon Eagle Walk @ USM 2 p.m.

USM vs. Kentucky @ The Rock 3 p.m.

Executive Editor kaitlyn.watkins@usm.edu Managing Editor hiba.tahir@usm.edu News Editor morgan.clark@usm.edu Entertainment Editor alyssa.bass@usm.edu Design Editor jhaimee.bullock@usm.edu Social Media Editor ashley.hobson@usm.edu

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EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.

OPINIONS Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

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Smith brings veteran leadership, star power to Southern Miss in ‘17 Grant Chighizola printz reporter

Smith brings veteran leadership, star power to Southern Miss in ‘17 All eyes are on Ito Smith as the Golden Eagles gear up for the 2017 football season.

The senior running back from Mobile, Alabama racked up multiple accolades during the offseason after rushing for 1,459 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2016. In addition to being named to the C-USA Preseason All-Conference team for the second straight year, Smith was also named to the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award watch lists.

Those awards are given at the end of every season to the best player and best running back in college football, respectively.

“All you got to do is just come out and watch him every Saturday,” said Head Coach Jay Hopson. “He’s a guy that creates stuff when there’s nothing there.

Now, Smith is tasked with not only producing results on the ground for Southern Miss, but also providing veteran leadership to an offense that will that will have new faces at multiple positions this season.

“Of course the younger guys coming in, they look up to the older guys,” Smith said. “Me just being a leader [means] just leading by example.”

The ability to create big plays on the ground is the most notable aspect

Rick Yeatts, Contributor Smith’s style of play. Smith averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2016 and had runs of 20-plus yards in nine games last season, with his longest play coming on an 86-yard touchdown run against Savannah State in the second game of that season.

In order for Smith to continue to create those big plays in 2017, the new players along the offensive line will need to

work together to create running lanes.

While there may be some uncertainty as to who will start along the line to start this season, Smith believes the unit can be just as good as last season’s line.

“They’re gonna be just as good as they were last year,” he said. “We’ve moved a couple of guys around, [but] the line is shaping up really well.”

While the ground game will be a big

part of the offense this season, Smith will be called on to contribute to the passing game as well. He finished third on the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2016, catching 43 passes and totaling 459 yards through the air.

Still, Smith believes the wide receivers will allow him and the offense to be successful on many fronts.

“We’ve got a lot of speed with the

wide receivers,” he said. “They’ve been doing a great job.

The question remains, however, as to who will be throwing passes to Smith and the Southern Miss receivers.

Whether it be Kwadra Griggs, Keon Howard or a combination of both throughout the season, the quarterbacks will have a solid receiving threat in the backfield in Smith.

Southern Miss’ season-opening opponent Kentucky will bring new challenges to Smith and the Golden Eagle offense. After rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown in the Golden Eagles’ 44-35 win against the Wildcats’ last year, Smith will look to replicate that success against a Kentucky defense that is expected to employ a defensive strategy similar to what he faced last season.

“Basically they play the same defense,” he said. “We’re expecting them to do the same stuff they did last year.”

As Smith enters his senior season with the team, Coach Hopson appreciates what the running back brings to the table as a player who creates big plays.

“I just think he’s a tremendous, tremendous football player,” Hopson said. “He’s been a huge playmaker here at Southern Miss.”

Fans can see Smith in action for the first time this season during the seasonopener against the Kentucky Wildcats at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. on Sep. 2.

Offensive weapons no problem for upcoming season Andrew Abadie printz reporter

All eyes for the upcoming season have been mainly shifted to the quarterback battle between s o p h o m o r e Ke o n H o w a r d and junior Kwadra Griggs.

Despite this complication, the Golden Eagles return a very complete offense in other areas.

A loaded backfield and a strong reliable corps of receivers await whoever wins the quarterback battle.

The backfield has a plethora of depth and is led by senior Ito Smith.

As many know, Smith is on the verge of breaking several Southern Miss records such as the all-time, allpurpose yards record. Smith ran for 1,459 yards last season, caught for 515 yards and scored 19 touchdowns in his junior year. Smith will play a huge role in both the running and passing game. Many will expect Smith to be the leader on offense, but he is also accompanied by others more than capable in a loaded backfield.

“I got a good group of guys,” said running backs coach Lytrel Pollard.

“The sky is the limit for us as long as we stay humble and continue to work like we’re doing. I think we can carry the offense to be one of the best [groups] in the league.”

Junior Tez Parks is most likely to become the number two running back since George Payne is still recovering from an injury. Of course, when Payne is healthy, he can have just as many star-studded moments as Smith. Injuries kept Parks from reaching his full potential all last season, but now Parks will get his fair share of carries to prove himself.

Payne should be healthy at the start of the season, but may see limited

carries early on as he still recuperates.

“All of my backs are fortunately good enough they can be first, second, third down, goal line, short yardage backs,” Pollard said. “We try to recruit guys that can do a little bit of everything, we don’t want to be limited.”

A new face added to this deep core of running backs is junior T’Rod Daniels. Daniels, a transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, is believed to be the fastest player on the team, which makes him not only player to watch, but makes the core of running backs even more dangerous. In his sophomore season, he ran for 765 yards, averaging 7.3 yards, and seven touchdowns.

“T’Rod Daniels might be one of the fastest kids I have ever seen on the football field,” Pollard said. “He has big play ability.”

The wide receivers, like the running backs, are also a talented group that is led by Allenzae Staggers, who is the No. 1 returning receiver for the team. Staggers finished with 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns and was named the 20th best receiver in the nation by 247sports.com.

Staggers is a complete receiver and can play to his many strengths on any play, which can help give confidence to the new quarterback.

The only loss the receivers had was D.J. Thompson, other than him the Golden Eagles return everyone.

Junior Korey Robertson’s 437 yards placed him third on the team’s receiving yards list, and also hauling in three touchdowns.

Robertson, Chase Whitehead, Jordan Mitchell, Isaiah Jones and tight end Julian Allen all had their key moments last season. The versatility of the group gives the quarterback

Austin Sylvest, Contributor different options when needed. Each receiver possesses different strengths that will allow the quarterback to utilize them in different plays. Every receiver on the roster is capable of having a bust-out game and turning any play from nothing to something.

“They know they have potential, but the reality is if they continue to progress on a consistent basis, I definitely think we can be the most talented [group] not only in this conference, but in the nation,” said wide receiver coach Desmond Lindsey.

No matter who steps in at quarterback, being short of playmakers will not be an issue. If whoever, wins the starting job at quarterback loses confidence, having trust in his offense will never be an issue for him.

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Run or pass: what does this season have in store Kyle Williams sports editor

With Head Coach Jay Hopson and Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson entering their second year at their respected positions, the question this year is how will the Golden Eagles execute their offense. With former Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens gone, the question now is can the Golden Eagles continue the aerial

attack behind the arm of Kwadra Griggs or Keon Howard or do the Golden Eagles lean towards the talents of Ito Smith and Tez Parks?

Nick Mullens left the Golden Eagles on a high note, throwing for 3,272 yards and 24 touchdowns and ending his career with a New Orleans bowl championship. With the Golden Eagles finishing third overall in pass offense and 11th in rushing offense in the conference, on paper it looks like

a no brainer to stick with the pass, but with the pool of talent in the backfield may lean the Golden Eagles towards a ground attack this season.

Senior running back Ito Smith has made a buzz for himself this upcoming year after a productive season last year. Smith finished sixth amongst running backs in C-USA last season, rushing for 1,459 yards and 17 touchdowns. Smith’s elusiveness and break away speed are arguably

his best attributes, but his ability to create his own opportunity may be his biggest attribute. His “do it myself ” mentality may be very valuable to the Golden Eagles offense in order to establish the passing game.

With either Kwadra Griggs or Keon Howard under center for the first game, a solid receiving core will be on the field to assist the kinks of adapting to game speed. Receivers like Allenzae Staggers and Isaiah

Jones are definite playmakers for the Golden Eagles but timing may be an issue early in the season. Allowing Smith and Tez Parks to become the main focus of the defense would be the best bet for the Golden Eagles in order to open up the air attack for Southern Miss. Allowing the focus to shift to the backfield can allow the diverse quarterbacks to become comfortable in the pocket to avoid errors.

Rick Yeatts, Contributor

Veteran leadership in the defensive backfield Trevor Ritchie printz reporter

Picasso Nelson Jr., a senior defensive back, summed up the defensive mindset best, “Do your job. Do it well and execute. Just get to the ball.”

The entire Golden Eagle football team understands how important the secondary’s leadership is to the defensive structure.

Defensive backs coach Dan Disch wholeheartedly agrees.

A standout comment from Disch when asked about experience and consistency came from him calling it, “the one thing in sports you can’t teach”. When Coach Disch first elaborated on that theme, two men came to mind quickly. That would be Senior cornerbacks Cornell Armstrong and Curtis Mikell.

Mikell forced the third lowest passer rating when targeted out of all FBS cornerbacks in 2016. Even so, his goals are

not set to recreate this performance nor any other statistical feat for that matter. The team mantra of “brotherhood” has become more of a philosophy.

“We’re steady working,” said Mikell. “I don’t worry about stats when I’m working with my brothers and my team trying to get better every day.”

Cornell Armstrong embodies leadership on and off the field for the Golden Eagles. “Everyone said I was too small and that I couldn’t get

the job done at cornerback,” said Armstrong. “I lead because they [Southern Miss] gave me a shot.” His faith and determination drives his hunger to strive for greatness and pass his knowledge onto others. When asked about his approach to helping incorporate the younger players into different schemes, he gave nothing less than a brief, admirable answer. “We tell them to follow the coach’s plan and pray to God,” said

Armstrong. “Every time.”

Tarvarius Moore, yet another veteran leader, Mikell and Nelson Jr. each notched two interceptions last season. Probably even more impressive than that, Nelson Jr., Mikell and Armstrong combined for a total of 131 tackles. This core group in the secondary will look to band together and unitedly bring Southern Miss home a conference championship.

Xavier Thigpen called the next force on the defensive line Andrew Abadie printz reporter

The defensive line last season was easily the strongest part of the Golden Eagle defense that was led by Dylan Bradley.

Last season, Bradley led the team in tackles for loss with 15.5 and led the team in sacks with 8.5. Bradley also totaled 64 tackles, two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and a fumble recovery.

Replacing a presence like Bradley, much less duplicating it, is no easy task. This year the defensive line will turn to senior Xavier Thigpen, who was second to Bradley’s numbers, totaling 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick.

“I try to not think too much by dwelling in the past because we are always moving forward,” Thigpen said.

“Dylan was a great player and is with the Vikings and has a great chance to make the team. At the same time, I have to make sure I’m doing enough for my teammates it’s not all about me.”

Thingpen’s stats alone make him the prime candidate to become the new leader of the defensive line. His idea of leadership is not just about posting numbers, but helping bring up the younger guys on the defensive line.

“I just try to be myself and just try to lead by example,” Thigpen said.

“I’m just trying to practice hard, run hard and try to do what I say and

Austin Sylvest, Contributor make sure people see it. I make sure guys get into recovery, make sure guys see me in the training room. [It’s] not only about them seeing me, I’m going to be there regardless. You could call it being a leader, but I’m just trying to

bring everybody together.”

Thingpen is not the only main force on the defensive line. Thigpen believes that redshirt freshman Jacques Turner will have an immediate impact on the team. Turner was a three-star

recruit and finished his senior year of high school with 100 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

“Jacques turner he has a good knack coming off the ball, good twitch with him and he is pretty fast,” Thig-

pen said. “We lost Dylan Bradley and Jaboree Poole [but we] got young guys that have come in and stepped up.

We’re going to miss those guys, but we got guys who can replace them.”

Tez Parks looks to make an impact in upcoming season Thomas Turner printz reporter

Losing a veteran leader like George Payne will not be easy for a growing Golden Eagle football team to recover from. Luckily for the young squad, Tez Parks could very well be the answer to the

Chuck Cook, USA Today Sports

Golden Eagles’ injury problem at running back.

While Payne offers more experience and was Southern Miss’ second leading rusher behind Ito Smith, Parks is an exciting option to fill Payne’s spot in the backfield. The potential one-two combination of Smith and Parks could

create headaches for opposing defenses, as both offensive backs are downhill runners, and will be rushing behind an improving offensive line.

Parks battled with injury in the last two seasons but his glimpses on the field have been productive.

Last season Parks only rushed for

155 yards, but this year you can see a change in his yardage number if he stays healthy. With Smith more than likely getting most of the touches, Parks will be utilized as a third down back or a flex receiver. This is not a knock to Parks athleticism, as he is more than capable to break away and create

with his elusiveness.

Smith and Parks look to be an entertaining duo this season and will bring much to the Golden Eagles’ offense. With the talented running back core Southern Miss has this year, big plays from either Smith or Parks should become normal as the season progresses.

Multiple Golden Eagles named to preseason watchlists Trevor Ritchie printz reporter

Ito Smith, Senior: Doak Walker Award (Running Back), Maxwell Award (Outstanding Player) and All-Conference USA Ito Smith finished 2016 with 1,459 yards, 5.5 per carry. In addition to that, he rushed for seventeen touchdowns - three shy

of the USM single-season record.

Smith will undoubtedly place an intricate role in the Southern Miss offense this season, and his high praise also sets high expectations.

Allenzae Staggers, Senior: Biletnikoff Award (Wide Receiver), Paul Hornung Award (Most Versatile) and All-Conference USA Allenzae Staggers will be the Golden Eagles’ most reliable and

effective deep threat in 2017. His 1,165 receiving yards last season came in what was surprisingly an up and down season. However, Staggers’ big games were explosive.

He will more than likely repeat as the primary punt returner, illustrating why his bid as one of the most versatile players in Julian Allen, Senior: John Mackey Award (Tight End)

Julian Allen will look to be utilized as both a receiving threat and a pass blocker for the Golden Eagles. Allen recorded 281 yards on just 19 receptions last season and will look to expand on those numbers in 2017. His 6’3”, 235 lb. build makes him monstrous at the line of scrimmage, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses.

Parker Shaunfield, Redshirt Junior: Lou Groza Award (Kicker) Parker Shaunfield was given the starting job in 2016 and did not disappoint. He made all forty of his extra points, along with his first twelve field goals of the season.

Shaunfield will fight this season to be named the top kicker in college football.

Austin Sylvest, Contributor

Games to watch in the 2017 season Chris Morgan printz reporter

After a rollercoaster year last season, with injuries and turnover issues, there are two games on the schedule this season that the Golden Eagles must win to earn a bowl bid or a possible division title.

The first of the two is a road contest on October 7th against UTSA. Last year, Southern Miss was a heavy favorite going into their game against the Roadrunners, and ended up losing 55-32 in San Antonio. This will be a tough road test again for the Golden Eagles, as Head Coach Frank Wilson of UTSA will look to improve his team’s 6-7 record of last season. To set the pace for the rest of the season, Southern Miss must learn from their mistakes and find a way to come out with the victory on the road.

The second game that will define this season is the November 18th home finally against Charlotte. The 49ers came into the Rock last season as underdogs and ran for over 300 yards, as well as forcing three turnovers, helping them to what seemed like an easy win.

Injuries to both the starting and backup quarterbacks for the Golden Eagles also played a factor in the loss.

If Southern Miss can stay healthy and take care of the ball this time around, then they should earn the win on Senior Day. These two wins could also play a huge part in earning a trip back to the Conference USA title. If the Golden Eagles can earn these two victories, and become bowl eligible long before the season finale, then they might be in store for a nine-win season.

Stephen Lew, Contributor

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Impact players to keep an eye in this season Chris Moran printz reporter

The Oak Grove product has produced so much in his years with the Golden Eagles. Last year, Nelson was third on the team in tackles with 48, 22 solo, and recorded two interceptions. Nelson is a diverse talent that can be placed all around the field on defense. While he mainly plays defensive back, he can play safety and linebacker effectively as well. After starting as a two-star recruit out of high school, the senior looks to be a ball hawking defender this year.

He has the potential to make it to the next level, but definitely has more to prove. Nelson has family ties to the NFL, as his father, cousin, and great uncle all had time in the league. He hopes to make his football dreams come true after this coming season, so look for him to do big things for the Golden Eagle defense.

Austin Sylvest, Contributor

Andrew Abadie printz reporter

A dependable kicking game may be the deciding factor on whether or not the Golden Eagles have a successful season. With a tough schedule and so far an offense that remains a question, Parker Shaunfield will be in high demand. The 2016 Lou Groza semifinalist made all of 40 of his PAT attempts and was 12-of-14 in field goals, recording a long of 49 yards last season. He will be a go to source for points if the offense stalls early in the season. Shaunfield will likely be put into several tough situations and possibly several down the wire games, which based off of last season’s Kentucky game has proven that he is reliable. Shaunfield can and will need to put up points, as his long game will be imperative in keeping the Golden Eagles alive. Look for Shaunfield to post some record numbers if he stays healthy. Shaunfield may very well be the key in keeping the offense productive as the season goes along.

Grant Chighizola printz reporter

No matter who takes snaps at quarterback for the Golden Eagles this season, they are sure to have a reliable pass-catching target in wide receiver Allenzae Staggers. Staggers ended the 2016 season as the team leader in receptions with 63, receiving yards with 1,163 and receiving touchdowns with seven. The senior also established himself as a deep threat in his first season with the team, averaging 18.5 yards per catch and surpassing 200 receiving yards in two games last season, the most notable being his record-breaking six catch, 292-yard performance against Rice. Another aspect of Staggers’ game that cannot be overlooked is his ability to play special teams, as a punt returner, Staggers returned 21 punts for 205 yards and one punt return touchdown. Staggers will serve as a trusted security blanket for the quarterbacks and as speedy receiver who can catch the long ball with ease. We all know that Ito Smith gives the Golden Eagles a legitimate running threat on offense, but in order to win games in 2017, the offense needs to look to Staggers to ensure the passing game is productive. Staggers’ versatility to play offense and special teams is what makes him the player with the most potential to make a big impact for the team this season.

Trevor Ritchie printz reporter

T’Rod Daniels, the junior transfer out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, is one of the fastest players on the team. With senior George Payne out due to injury, the 4.3 caliber speed of Daniels will add extra depth to the backfield. Daniels has shown explosive acceleration throughout fall camp, contributing some of the only big plays against the stout Southern Miss defense. Daniels is not limited to the rushing game, as his talents will also be utilized as a returner. Head coach Jay Hopson has compared Daniels to former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Warrick Dunn, and with that he has big shoes to fill. Daniels, with a similar build and skillset to Dunn, will try to immolate that style of play. His 765 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns for MGJCC in 2016 were enough to get him to Southern Miss, so look for him to stand out.

However, this year is only his stepping stone. Moving forward, he will be one of the feature backs for the Golden Eagles.

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Quarterback battle tighter than expected Trevor Ritchie printz reporter

As mentioned numerous times throughout this football preview, the looming quarterback situation presents some uncertainty on offense for Southern Miss. Head Coach Jay Hopson reiterated this week the possibility of a starting

quarterback not being announced until late Friday or gameday itself against Kentucky. During media day earlier this month, Hopson jokingly alluded to having a Friday night coin flip to decide who will lead the Goldens Eagles’ first offensive drive this season and that mindset remains the same.

Redshirt junior Kwadra Griggs and sophomore Keon Howard

have seemed to be in a two-man race for the starting job throughout the entirety of fall camp; however, freshman Marcelo Rodriguez has raised questions concerning his involvement in this battle.

Hopson admitted it is likely we will see both Griggs and Howard in action on Saturday regardless of who is named the starter, but offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson

did not rule out the possibility of Rodriguez joining the mix.

“We played three [quarterbacks] last year,” Dawson said. “Put it this way, he [Rodriguez] is going to be ready.”

Dawson went on to explain the offense does not view Rodriguez as a freshman. “He’s proved over the course of camp that he can play; the kid is talented,” Dawson

elaborated. “Is he talented enough to play in games right now? In a perfect world, I would hope to not find out.”

It is fair to say the idea of foreseeing three quarterbacks play against Kentucky is not promising.

Even so, it is clear that they all will be primed entering M.M. Roberts Stadium prepared to take the helm.

Courtesy Photo

Pride of Mississippi previews first halftime show Chris Moran printz reporter

The Pride of Mississippi hosted its annual Pride Preview on the newly renovated Pride Field this past Friday.

The Department of Intramural Sports kicked off the show with a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially declare Pride Field as open. The Pride kicked off the performance with the entire pregame show sequence that will be performed at every home game before kickoff.

The immense crowd showed their support from the start and were impressed by the new facility.

Next Saturday, the halftime show will feature music selections of the Doobie Brothers, which includes China Grove, Long Train Runnin’, and Listen to The Music. The Pride showcased these songs Friday night, as well as a fifth quarter tune titled “Tennessee Waltz.”

The Drum Line and Dixie Darlings also got to display their features Friday, and the night finished with the singing of the Southern Miss fight song and alma mater.

With football season approaching abruptly, the Golden Eagle football fans are not only gearing up for the Kentucky game, but for the Pride of Mississippi halftime show.

Courtesy Photo

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Bower Academic Success Center to be housed in Cook Library Chris Moran printz reporter

Southern Miss Athletic Director, Jon Gilbert, has made one of his priorities very clear; the renovation of the Academic

Center for Student-Athletes.

The current Academic Center is housed in M.M. Roberts Stadium, under the west side bleachers on the second floor. Serious cost and infrastructure issues with the current location resulted in the

decision to relocate the Center.

D r. Jo h n E ye, D e a n o f University Libraries, has partnered with the Athletic Department to develop the center in the heart of campus, Cook Library. Designs and donations are

being put in place and Gilbert’s plan is to have the Center running within the next 12-15 months.

The center is named in honor of Jeff Bower, for mer Golden Eagle quarterback, who also served as head coach for 17 seasons. He totaled 119 wins, four Conference titles and six bowl game wins in his career and his

attention to his athletes’ success in the classroom is what made him so special to the university.

Housing the Center in Cook Library will provide additional space and convenience for the Student-Athletes and their academic success. Jon Gilbert should release more updates after the initial phases are complete.

New safety policies in place for 2017-18 athletic season Grant Chighizola printz reporter

Courtesy Photo

Harlan and Abadie to host HubCitySportsTalk Grant Chighizola printz reporter

A new show featuring the latest news and information on local, collegiate and professional sports will air on WUSM starting Se p. 8. T he show, named HubCitySportsTalk, will be hosted by Student Printz reporter Andrew Abadie and Eag le Hour producer Amy Harlan.

Major prep athletic programs from around the Pine Belt will be featured on the program, including: Oak Grove, Petal, Hattiesburg, Presbyterian Christian School, Lumberton, Purvis Sumrall,

North Forrest, Forrest County Agricultural High School, Sacred Heart and more. Other topics of discussion will include Southern Miss athletics, New Orleans Saints football and New Orleans Pelicans basketball. The show will also consist of interviews with coaches and local sports reporters.

“I’m excited to host a show with Andrew that covers sports across the Pine Belt” Harlan said. “I think we both bring unique perspectives to looking at athletics from both a male and female point of view.”

Abadie is a local beat writer on the high school and Southern Miss athletic scenes. He brings

a statistical and analytical point of view towards teams and players. His New Orleans roots give him a unique perspective to looking at the Saints and Pelicans.

As a member of Eagle Hour, Harlan has received an in depth look at not just Southern Miss athletics, but from programs across C-USA. Harlan, like Abadie, can be frequently found covering high school athletic events, and knows the ins and outs of professional sports.

Listeners can tune in to H u b C i t y S p o r t s Ta l k e v e r y Fr i d a y f r o m 1 0 - 1 1 a.m. on WUSM 88.5 FM.

Fans of Southern Miss A t h l e t i c s w i l l h ave t o abide by new fan safety measures when they attend home games for all sports this season.

A clear bag policy is the newest policy that will be implemented this season.

Starting with the football home opener against Kentucky on Sep. 2, fans will only be per mitted to bring a 12x6x12 clear plastic bag or a resealable clear storage bag that does not exceed one gallon in volume. Small clutch purses that do not exceed 4.5x6.5 inches will also be permitted i n s i d e a t h l e t i c ve n u e s.

Fans who require essential medical equipment will be allowed to take those items into a venue after an inspection. For football games, a designated gate will be set aside for fans with medical equipment.

“The University Police Department with the assistance of Southern Miss Athletics will be instituting a “clear bag

policy” beginning with this year’s athletic season,” said University Police Chief Bob Hopkins. “This new policy will allow for an extra level of security and protection for those attending events.”

Golf cart usage will also be restricted on campus as a result of the new safety measures. Fans with privately owned golf carts a n d o t h e r re c re at i o n a l vehicles will not be allowed i n s i d e M . M . Ro b e r t s Stadium’s inner security perimeter for football games. Golf carts will still be per mitted outside of the perimeter, however.

Proper licensing and insurance are also required for golf carts and recreational vehicles on campus, as state law classifies them as traditional vehicles.

“Only Souther n Miss vehicles, law enforcement, fire, medical, or the official Southern Miss game day shuttle/escort service will be allowed access to this secured perimeter,” Hopkins said. “No privately owned golf carts or other non-traditional modes of travel will be authorized.”

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HWY 49 NORTH to Convention Center and Jackson

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International Center

Peck House

OwingsMcQuagge

BSU

Liberal Arts

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ROSS BOULEVARD Tennis Courts

Privately Owned Apartments

Privately Owned Apartments

McDonalds

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Additional free parking is available at Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Shuttle hours: 2 hours prior to kickoff until 1.5 hours after the game

Bank

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Football Practice Fields

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Pedestrian Plaza

Chapel Centennial Green

Fine Arts Building

Mannoni Museum PAC of Art

Freshman Quad Bennett Auditorium

Cafe

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Rose Garden Main Entrance

GAMEDAY PARKING

Areas marked in blue are faculty, staff and student parking only with current permit.

Ogletree Alumni House

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Information Booth

2017 Football Season

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Administration Building

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Store

COLLEGE DRIVE

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Math Zone

South Library Plaza

PEARL STREET Privately Owned Apartments

Trent Lott National Center

Science

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Wesley Foundation

Theatre and Dance

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Union

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So. Christian Student Center

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Scianna Hall

Thad Cochran Center

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DR.

DST

Thad Cochran Center Visitor’s Parking

RESEA RC H Electrical Substation

SAE CO

ES JAM

Nursing

PBP

Polymer Science

KAY

J.B. George Building

E

ADP

L RC

CI

KD

M Club

EAGLE WALK

GE

Exercise Trail

RAY GUY WAY

Spirit Park

.

LA

LE

DR

AKA

PM

RAY GUY WAY

Payne Center RC

Hall

Bond Hall

LIN G

DG

Laundry

Pride Field

Oseola McCarty

SM AL

CI

PKA VIL

Parking Garage

EAST MEMORIAL DR.

RK

IVE

RAILROAD TRACKS WEST 4TH STREET

Century Park South

TU

M L Pine Haven

H

DR

Century Park North

IR

E

J

.

M. K

N

FR AT ER NIT YD RIV E

SPE

KC

Reed Green Coliseum

DTD

Soccer Complex

Stores and Receiving

CL

Buroughs House ATO

TU R

Intramural Fields

M . K.

Center for Child Development

Softball Complex

Hall

n

WEST 4TH STREET

GOLDEN EAGLE AVE.

N. 35TH AVE.

Sigma Chi

Statio

3-D Pat Ferlise Ticket Center Arts

St. Thomas Catholic Church

ET

Miss

Storage Buildings

Baseball Offices

WEST 4TH STRE

hern

WEST MEMORIAL PLAZA

ET

RE ST

Physical Plant

MORNING SIDE DR.

PINE HAV EN

ls Sout

Hillcrest

Track and Field Complex

Rails to Trails

H 4T

AZALEA DR.

Church

to Trai

Motor Pool

U.S. HIGHWAY 49

Rails

Tower Place

Water Tower

N. 36TH AVENUE

Pete Taylor Park W

N. 37TH AVENUE

31ST AVENUE

WEST 7TH STREET

25TH AVENUE

WEST 7TH STREET

MEADOW LOOP

Department of Parking Management Phone: 601.266.4943 Website: www.usm.edu/parking

ALUM DRIVE NI

Electronic Message Board

Lake Byron

HARDY STREET

Downtown Hattiesburg

HWY 49 SOUTH Cloverleaf Mall Paul B. Johnson State Park Gulf Park Campus

For RV information, please call the Eagle Club at 601.266.5299.

AA/EOE/ADAI

UC 77183.5149 8.17

Parking areas marked in gold are current Eagle Club members reserved parking only.

Must have valid 2017 football parking pass.