For Southern Miss, it's always about the offensive line
When practice starts in August it seems everyone is always focused on the skill positions and if and at what high of a level they can produce. While those are fun to discuss and to think of ways those guys can be used in Blake Anderson offense, Southern Miss fans know all to well it doesn’t mean much of the guys blocking up front can’t get the job done. Four years ago we had a front row seat to the QB revolving door of the century that saw thirteen guys take snaps behind the center. Let’s hope we never have to experience that again.
With host of new transfers and only 3 returning from the 2024 squad, it seems the coaches understand just how troubling the situation was across the front after spring practice. Can new OL Coach Sean Coughlin shuffle through this group and find, what OC Blake Anderson said he hoped to have by the start of the season, 8 guys who can carry the load? That will remain to be seen.
Anderson did mention that Utah State transfer Aloali’i Maui was a mover of men. If he and returner Greg Nunnery, who will probably move from OT to G, can establish themselves, maybe you have some building blocks. Who else could fill those other spots is anyone’s guess.
We’ve seen it so many times the past four seasons. So much hype with little results. At least this coaching group keeps things on the level. They know they have a lot of work to do and this OL will not be made in day or even one week. It will take the the whole August practice period find five to eight guys who can get the job done. If the coaches can solve this puzzle, the Golden Eagles could be very successful in 2025.
