Jason Munz/Hattiesburg American
Southern Miss had to do something.
Even if that something was using workarounds and loopholes to sign more players than the NCAA-mandated 25 initial scholarship limit. Many programs used the practice of oversigning — until it was banned earlier this year — to help offset potential attrition or, in Southern Miss’ case, accelerate the rebuilding process following the dreadful winless season in 2012.
In doing so, however, the Golden Eagles have spent the past couple of seasons (and will likely spend at least one more) playing catch-up.