Jason Munz/Hattiesburg American
Thank goodness for defense.
And Ito Smith.
After all, if not for Southern Miss’ stifling defensive performance and the star running back’s two touchdowns and 148 yards of total offense, the 24-0 victory over UTEP might have had a different look entirely.
“A lot of games swing on certain plays,” coach Jay Hopson said. “If we go in and have a two- or three-touchdown lead at halftime, I think the attitude of the game possibly takes a whole new feeling. Those are things we’ve got to go to work at and execute at a higher level.