Mullens gets baptism in fire

[Harry]

In a storybook world, Nick Mullens would have guided Southern Miss to a victory in his first start at quarterback Saturday against North Texas.

But in the real world, it was another loss for the Golden Eagles, by another large margin, and it was a rough debut for the true freshman from Hoover, Ala.

Mullens was 12 of 31 passing for 210 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked four times, threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles, one when he was hit as he was passing.

I think hes going to be a really good football player, said USM head coach Todd Monken. He showed accuracy, poise toughness and leadership, all the things you want in quarterback.

The good news for Mullens was his 17.5 yards per completion, including some very nice deep balls.

Ironically, the biggest play he made was an underthrown pass that senior Dominique Sullivan made an adjustment on, caught over the defender and carried in for a touchdown.

Read more: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20131027/SOUTHERNMISS/310270030/Mullens-gets-baptism-in-fire