A breakdown of Boise State’s next opponent Southern Miss

• Where: Hattiesburg, Miss. (46,626)

• Founded: 1910

• Enrollment: 16,506

• Nickname: Golden Eagles

• Record: 0-4, 0-1 C-USA

• Last game: Lost to No. 19 Louisville 21-17, Saturday in Hattiesburg.

COACH

Ellis Johnson replaced Larry Fedora, who took the North Carolina job. Johnson was 17-28 in four seasons in two previous stints as a head coach — at The Citadel (2001-03) and Gardner-Webb (1983).

The defensive mastermind spent the past four seasons as the coordinator at South Carolina, which ranked No. 3 in total defense last year. He also served as coordinator at Mississippi State (2004-07), Alabama (1997-2000), Clemson (1995-96), Southern Miss (1988-89) and Appalachian State (1984).

OFFENSE

The Golden Eagles returned four line starters, 61 percent of their rushing yards and 52 percent of their receiving yards. The program has rushed for at least 2,000 yards in six straight seasons.

However, the Eagles rank 119th in total offense (274.3 yards per game), 60th in rushing (165.8) and 117th in passing (108.5). They run a one-back spread system that emphasizes the run. The offense looked better last week, rushing for 224 yards on a flooded field against Louisville.

DEFENSE

The 4-2-5 scheme features a bandit end who plays a cross between end and linebacker (senior Jamie Collins) and a spur (junior Jerrion Johnson), which is like Boise State’s nickel.

Collins leads the team with 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and three pass breakups. Junior safety Jacorius Cotton (26 tackles) and junior cornerback Deron Wilson (22 tackles, two breakups) also are veteran playmakers. Wilson has seven interceptions — three for touchdowns — and 27 pass breakups in his career.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Senior slot receiver Tracy Lampley says he’s the offensive “X-factor.” He lines up at receiver and tailback in addition to his roles as punt returner and kickoff returner. He’s expected to become the first player in school history with 1,000 rushing, receiving, punt-return and kickoff-return yards. He has scored two touchdowns each on kickoffs and punts in his career.

Kicker Corey Acosta is 4-for-6 on field goals with a long of 47. Punter Peter Boehme averages 40.2 yards but has uncorked some long punts in his career.

DID YOU KNOW?

This is the first time since 2000 that Southern Miss has faced ranked opponents in back-to-back games. Boise State is No. 25 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.