Tudor's take: So. Miss at ECU

Tudor's take

In order to host the Conference USA title game next weekend, the Pirates (7-4, 6-1) will have to go through their primary nemesis. Southern Miss (7-4, 5-2) has won the past two, four of the past five and 11 of the past 13 in the series. But in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, with so much on the line, ECU is due.

Pirates, 24-21.

Observations

Settling in

Southern Miss' decision to dismiss alum Jeff Bower after 17 years as coach in 2007 wasn't entirely popular with the Golden Eagles' fan base, but Larry Fedora has won some friends in his two seasons. After a 7-6 finish with a bowl win in 2008, Southern Miss has a shot at 10-4 and the Liberty Bowl host spot.

Thinking young

The key to Southern Miss' strong finish has been quarterback Martevious Young, who replaced injured starter Austin Davis in mid-season. In six starts, Young has thrown only one interception and has 12 TD passes for the season.

Player to watch

Tracy Lampley

USM, Fr., RB, 5-9, 175

The Pirates will have to contain Lampley to win the special-teams competition. He's averaging 16 yards a return on punts and almost 30 yards a return on kickoffs, one of which was a 100-yarder.

By the numbers