DE: Despite returning a 4,000-yard passer in Nick Mullens and a 1,000-yard rusher in Ito Smith, Troy head coach Neal Brown said the key to the Southern Miss offense is center Cameron Tom. Is that a surprising statement, and if not, could you explain why Tom means so much to the Golden Eagles?
JM: Not surprising at all. Cameron Tom is Southern Miss' rock on offense. He's a fourth-year starter, the last three coming at center. He began his career at right tackle and started a number of games there as a true freshman.