Southern expecting new-look Houston offense

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- When the Southern defense takes the field for the opener against Houston on Aug. 30, there will be a feeling of uncertainty in what they will be facing.

The Cougars will open the season with a new offensive coordinator, a new starting running back and an on-going competition at quarterback that has yet to yield a starter for the opener.

Southern coach Dawson Odums said he is not anticipating anything unique out of the Cougars offense.

“They’re just going to do what they do,” Odums said. “I don’t think they’ll put together an elaborate game plan against us — just line up and go play football.”

Newly hired co-offensive coordinator Doug Meacham was brought in to run the offense this year, replacing Mike Nesbit who resigned after Houston fell to Texas State in an embarrassing 30-13 loss in last season’s opener. Texas State ranked 119th defensively last season in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Travis Bush took over last season as the interim coordinator and will work alongside Meacham. Bush will also serve as the Cougars running backs coach this year.

Meacham had served as Oklahoma State’s inside receivers coach and passing coordinator for the past eight seasons.

SU FOOTBALL 2013

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