USM Notes, 9/11: QB Almond better than he showed last year

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Southern Miss quarterback Dustin Almond did nothing to impress Nebraska a year ago. But his 4-for-24 passing performance that included two interceptions, along with two lost fumbles, is not a good barometer to  judge the junior.

A better gauge might be his 8-3 record as a starter. Among players with a minimum of 10 starts, his .727 winning percentage is fourth- highest in school history. Almond has thrown for at least 200 yards in five games, which already ties him for fourth on the Southern Miss career list.

His backup, sophomore Damion Carter, could see action at wide receiver today, as he spent time at that position during spring and fall. Carter, a five-game starter at quarterback last year, replaced Almond late in last year's NU game and in his first collegiate action, completed 14 of 17 passes for 143 yards and a TD. During Southern Miss' spring game, he completed 5 of 10 passes for 105 yards and a pair of TDs, ran three times for 37 yards and a score and also caught three passes for 48 yards.

GOAL-LINE D: In the previous five seasons combined, Southern Miss' defense yielded just 90 touchdowns, the lowest total of any NCAA Division I-A team. Miami, with 103, was next, followed by Oklahoma (105). Nebraska's total of 121 ranked eighth.

STOCKING THE TROPHY CASE: The Golden Eagles have won at least a share of four Conference USA championships in the eight-year history of the league. Only three Division I-A schools have won more in that span. They are: Florida State (seven ACC crowns), Marshall (six Mid-American) and Miami (five Big East). Since joining Conference USA, the Golden Eagles are 63-33, a mark that ranks in the nation's top 30.

HOME COOKIN': Southern Miss' 38-14 loss to Nebraska last year was only its second in a non-league home game since the Golden Eagles joined Conference USA in 1996. The only other blemish to that record was a 24-6 loss to Texas A&M in 1998. Under 14th-year coach Jeff Bower, Southern Miss is 49-11 overall at home and 40-51-1 on the road.

 — Curt McKeever