With nine starters returning on defense, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles hope to soar higher in 2010.

A defense that gave up 25.8 points per game figures to be better with so many experienced players returning. But with only four starters back on offense, the 18th-ranked scoring offense in the nation a year ago may struggle to put up as many points.

The Golden Eagles finished 7-6 in 2009, going 5-3 in Conference USA action to finish third in the Eastern Division, behind East Carolina and Central Florida.

The season begins with a road trip to Southeastern Conference foe South Carolina on Sept. 2. The rest of September is comprised of non-conference contests.

The C-USA opener comes Oct. 2 at home against Marshall. The next week, the Golden Eagles play host to East Carolina.

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