Southern Miss struggled a ton last year learning that 4-2-5 defensive alignment. But their defense is among the most underrated units in the country because of last year and the disaster.

Defense will carry Southern Miss in the early going, with defensive coordinator David Duggan having installed a scheme similar to the one the Golden Eagles ran two years ago under Larry Fedora. Junior Rakeem Nunez-Roches and senior Khyri Thornton give USM one of the best tackle tandems in the country, while end Michael Smith and linebackers Dylan Reda and Alan Howze all have experience. Youngsters such as redshirt freshman Jerry McCorvey of Vancleave and true freshman Dylan Bradley could make an instant impact on the line.

Texas State also features a pair of outstanding imports from Division I programs. Defensive tackle D.J. Yendrey was a three-year starter at TCU, and is among the preseason favorites for SBC Newcomer of the Year. Linebacker Michael Orakpo, who spent two seasons at Colorado State. All the talent for both teams is on defense.