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Armed Forces Bowl 2020: 3 players to watch in Southern Miss vs. Tulane

By Michael Hanich

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: Justin McMillan #12 of the Tulane Green Wave runs the ball against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: Justin McMillan #12 of the Tulane Green Wave runs the ball against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 26: Ky’el Hemby #19 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles celebrates after an interception in the second half against the Rice Owls on October 26, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 26: Ky’el Hemby #19 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles celebrates after an interception in the second half against the Rice Owls on October 26, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

1. Southern Miss nickelback D.Q. Thomas

Arguably, the Golden Eagles’ defense has the tougher task at hand trying to stop an explosive, fast pace Green Wave offense. There are many playmakers for Southern Miss, but some will be called upon more than others. The Golden Eagles will need to rely on defensive back D.Q. Thomas if they want to shut down a dangerous Green Wave offense, led by Justin McMillan.

In 12 games, Thomas has accounted for 68 total tackles (second-highest on the team), 42 solo tackles (second-highest), 14 tackles for loss (most on the team), five sacks (third-highest), and three interceptions. At the nickel position, Thomas is the most diverse defender for the Golden Eagles’ defense. He can blitz, tackle in the backfield, cover receivers efficiently, and read the plays through either the quarterbacks’ eyes or of the ball carrier.

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Thomas will need to spread out and used in multiple variations on defense to make the passing game of Tulane as difficult as they can. The Golden Eagles’ defense ranks as one of the top rush defenses in the nation due to their instant reaction to read the running plays and crowd the line of scrimmage. The most gifted defender for Southern Miss in Thomas will need at his best to suppress McMillan in the running game.

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