COACH: Ellis Johnson — At Southern Miss: 1st year
OVERALL: 17-28, 4 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Rickey Bustle
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Tommy West
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2011
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2001
RETURNING STARTERS: 11, 6 offense, 4 defense, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Kendrick Hardy, WR/KR Tracey Lampley, OL Joe Duhon, C Austin Quattrochi, LB/DE Jamie Collins, CB Deron Wilson
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The Golden Eagles return the interior of the offensive line, anchored by C Austin Quattrochi. It should give a new starting quarterback some peace of mind as he learns Johnson’s spread attack. Wilson intercepted four passes last season, two of which he returned for scores.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: First-year defensive coordinator Tommy West, a former Clemson and Memphis coach, will have to work quickly to familiarize seven new starters with his 4-3 look. Veteran QB Austin Davis graduated and there’s no quarterback with appreciable experience. Top RB Jamal Woodyard will miss the season with a knee injury.