FILE - in this April 14, 2012, file photo, Southern Mississippi head coach Ellis Johnson calls out instructions to his team during their NCAA college football spring game in Hattiesburg, Miss. Southern Mississippi is the obvious underdog when it goes on t
FILE - in this April 14, 2012, file photo, Southern Mississippi head coach Ellis Johnson calls out instructions to his team during their NCAA college football spring game in Hattiesburg, Miss. Southern Mississippi is the obvious underdog when it goes on the road to play No. 17 Nebraska on Saturday. But with a new coach, new quarterback and a revamped defense, the Golden Eagles hope they can hit the Cornhuskers with an element of surprise. The Hattiesburg American, Bryant Hawkins, File) NO SALES, Associated Press
By Associated Press

Southern Miss is the obvious underdog when it travels to face No. 17 Nebraska on Saturday.

But with a new coach, new quarterback and a revamped defense, the Golden Eagles hope to use the unknown to their advantage.

First-year coach Ellis Johnson hasn't been particularly secretive during preseason camp, but he's been just vague enough with the team's progress to keep the Cornhuskers guessing. Johnson announced on Monday that junior Chris Campbell would start at quarterback against Nebraska, but also acknowledged that Anthony Alford and Ricky Lloyd could take snaps.

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Of course, the 60-year-old Johnson has been around a long time and isn't a complete unknown. The veteran defensive-minded coach says the Golden Eagles must match the Cornhuskers' physical nature to have a chance at the upset.

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