Central Florida @ Southern Mississippi preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) Southern Mississippi 31, Central Florida 21

THE STORY: Southern Mississippi, off to its best start since 1996, shoots for its eighth straight win when the No. 22 Golden Eagles host struggling Central Florida. After dropping its Conference USA opener, Southern Mississippi has reeled off seven consecutive wins - six of those coming by at least 18 points. The Golden Eagles also established themselves as the team to beat in Conference USA's East Division and the biggest league challenger to unbeaten and No. 11 Houston, which leads the West.

TV: CBS Sports Network. LINE: Southern Miss -9.

ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA (4-5, 2-3 C-USA): After a promising 2-0 start, the Knights have lost three of their last four games and five of seven. Four of the five losses have come by seven points or less. The Knights have been stellar on defense, leading C-USA in all five team categories while ranking fifth in the nation in scoring defense (15.3) and total defense (268.6). Central Florida is third in the nation in time of possession (34:37), and twice this season has had the ball for more than 40 minutes in a game.

ABOUT SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (8-1, 4-1): The Golden Eagles' offense has scored at least 30 points in five of its last six games and is 17th in the nation in scoring at nearly 38 points per game. Senior quarterback Austin Davis has thrown for 18 touchdowns and only eight interceptions and is the school's all-time leader with 71 touchdown passes and 9,543 passing yards. Defensively, the Golden Eagles scored three touchdowns last week in their 48-28 victory over East Carolina and have eight non-offensive scores this season, second in the FBS.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Central Florida on Thursday received a list of several NCAA allegations about rules violations within its athletic program, including football. Wide receivers coach David Kelly and Athletic Director Keith Tribble resigned following the notice from the NCAA.

2. Southern Mississippi has won five of the previous six meetings, including three straight. Last year, the Golden Eagles knocked off No. 25 Central Florida in Orlando, Southern Miss' first win over a ranked opponent since 2003.

3. Southern Mississippi has secured its 18th straight winning season, the fourth longest current streak in the FBS behind Florida, Florida State, and Virginia Tech.

PREDICTION: Southern Mississippi 34, Central Florida 24 - The Golden Eagles continue their march toward the East Division title with their eighth straight victory.