University of Cincinnati coach Rick Minter hopes what he saw in the first half of last week's victory over Memphis doesn't rear even the tip of its head Saturday against No.24 Southern Miss.

        “It was the worst offensive performance of one half I've ever been around,” Minter said.

        UC gained only 14 yards of total offense in the first half — 1 on running and 13 on passing.

AT A GLANCE

• UC (6-4, 4-2 C-USA) vs. No.20 Southern Miss (7-2, 4-1 C-USA)     • Kickoff: 1p.m. Saturday at Nippert Stadium     • TV: None     • Radio: WLW-AM (700)     • Series: Tied at 5     • Line: Southern Miss by 5 1/2

        Thanks to its defense generating seven turnovers, UC went on to win the game, 13-10, in overtime.

        “Somewhere along the way, you should be able to make a first down (and) make 20 or 30 yards,” Minter said. “Actually, we made probably 35 or 40 yards but had about 22 in lost yardage due to penalties, etc.”

        Memphis had a terrific defense, very quick and physical.

        Southern Miss figures to provide an even sterner test.

        “Southern Miss may not be a better unit than Memphis, but it is more difficult because of their structure,” Minter said. “At times last Saturday, Memphis walked around on defense and stood up some (defensive linemen). That's Southern Miss' mode all the time.”

        Minter refers to this as a “radar-type” defense.

        “Against Memphis, we just weren't sharp in defining and declaring who was who,” Minter said. “We threw some quick passes ... when we should have been running the full-field route.”

        The adjustment UC made in its offense at halftime was to run out of a two-back set and jettison the idea of running out of the four-wideout package. UC needed to get a lead blocker involved in the running game, and that meant also ditching the run out of the shotgun, something UC normally likes to do.

        UC threw the ball better in the second half, too.

        “I think that was just a matter of settling down and playing,” Minter said. “(Quarterback) Deontey (Kenner) settled down at halftime.”

        UC picked up 176 yards of total offense in the second half.

        But it'll be a long time before UC forgets the first half.

        Right from the get-go against Memphis, UC's offense was short-circuiting.

        “On the first two plays of the game, we called two passes in a row that if you complete 'em, you ought to have a first down,” Minter said. “But we wound up third-and-1. You've got to be disciplined and push the route to the distance.”

        Minter said the offense went “three and out” eight times.

        “That's horrible,” he said.

        On the UC sideline, there was a whole lotta shakin' goin' on as soon as the Memphis game ended. It was an appropriate response, because Memphis is the home of rocker Jerry Lee Lewis. But things will get even crazier Saturday if UC beats Southern Miss to finish its season 7-4, and 6-0 at home.

UC needs offense to hold up both halves of bargain

A veteran approach
SULLIVAN: Scott Mitchell
Bengals notebook: Spikes' play could lead to Pro Bowl
Baseball debate goes to Senate
First step: Get back to Dance
XU scouting report
Of pounds and poundings
Blue Jackets amazing NHL
Mason 9th in nation; Munoz among Super 25
McCree: Good hitter, bad handicapper
Ohio State preview: Stars gone; talent isn't
UK hearing too many whistles