Nick Mullens had his moments in USM loss

[Harry]

HATTIESBURG - It certainly wasn't the kind of game kids dream about when thinking of their first college start.

Southern Miss, with true freshman Nick Mullens starting at quarterback for the first time this season after the Golden Eagles opened the season 0-6, lost 55-14 to North Texas at M.M. Roberts Stadium on Saturday night.

But while Mullens' statistics weren't pretty - 12 of 31 passing, one touchdown pass and three interceptions fumbles - the learning experience may pay off in the long run.

"I've got to be a better leader, go out and make better decisions, make better throws," said Mullens, who replaced senior Allan Bridgford Saturday night. "It's a lot to build on, but you've got to get better every time out.

The game actually started for Mullens, an 18-year-old who was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Alabama last year while playing for Spain Park in Hoover, Ala.

On his first pass of the game, Mullens connected with Markese Triplett for 23 yards and the first first down of the game.

The next three passes were incomplete, but at least one of them should have been caught.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2013/10/26/5062702/nick-mullens-had-his-moments-in.html