SOUTHERN MISS (-5) at CENTRAL FLORIDA -- There are some positives with Southern Miss, to be sure. The Eagles are blissful that they have found a "go-to" running back in freshman Damion Fletcher, who ran for 177 yards against N.C. State last time out. And USM carries a big edge in the kicking game into this one in the person of Darren McCaleb, one of the nation's top placekickers. But QB Jeremy Young is still feeling his way around, as he's thrown three interceptions in 56 attempts. And beyond Fletcher, the cupboard is bare, as Southern Miss' leading runners from last year - Larry Thomas and Cody Hull - quit the team over lack of playing time. That may count for something in the second half. Central Florida's defense is young but experienced, having brought back nine starters from a year ago. QB Steven Moffett is the veteran signal-caller in this matchup, and RB Kevin Smith (1178 yds., 4.7 ypc last year) is back from suspension, with Jason peters in reserve. This running attack, which produced in 2005, might uncoil at home in this rare national television appearance. The best is yet to come for UCF, which brought back a lot of players from the team that went bowling last season, not the least of which is the top playmaker on the field, WR Mike Walker (12 catches in last), someone the Eagles can't match. We have enough to grab the points here.
JAY'S PLAY: CENTRAL FLORIDA **
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