Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl Preview

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl

Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville

                This is one of those games where you get to see a strength-on-strength duel. Specifically, Southern Mississippi’s run defense against the rush offense of Louisville. Southern Mississippi’s run defense has been stout during the course of the season, though that has been heavily based on the play of the front seven. This is a problem for two reasons; one: That type of play often isolates the secondary and relies entirely on their man-to-man skills to contain the passing game. Two: A shooting at a night club a few weeks ago left three members of the front seven unable to play for the rest of the season. With the defense handicapped like this, it creates holes that the Louisville offense can take advantage of. However, while Louisville has a strong running game powered by Bilal Powell, they also have a very unsettled quarterback situation. Not knowing which of three quarterbacks is going to start leaves Louisville very vulnerable to a solid defense. On the other side of the ball, Louisville is very good at getting to the quarterback and forcing bad throws. However they are only average against the run and Southern Mississippi is a good running team.

Prospects to Watch

                Southern Mississippi

                                Anthony Gray – Defensive Tackle: While Gray is a bit undersized, he plays very hard. He also has enough strength to push the pocket, though his lack of height will make it harder for him to not be overwhelmed by bigger guards and centers. His play hard attitude will get some a shot with teams that emphasize a rotation on the defensive line.

                Louisville

                                Johnny Patrick – Cornerback: A very good senior corner that has put together a strong season with 16 pass defenses and 5 interceptions. However his overall speed is somewhat questionable and the poor play of the Big East this year leaves his prospects teetering on the strength of his 40 time. Regardless of how his time comes out, he can help a team as nickel or dime back and special teams ace. He has some good prospects in the 5^th to 7^th rounds.

Final Pick

                Southern Mississippi – A strong run defense and fairly good offense gives me a lot more faith in Southern Mississippi than I have in Louisville, with their unsettled quarterback situation.