After recently seeing an end to a long run of sustained success, the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles are trying to work their way back to prominence in C-USA. After going 12-2, finishing No. 19 in the rankings and taking home the Hawaii Bowl title in the 2011 season, the Golden Eagles bottomed out under now-Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson in 2012. That 0-12 season pressed the reset button on the program.

Current head coach Todd Monken came on board for the 2013 season, but their losing streak stretched to 23 games as Southern Miss lost its first 11 games of the season. USM won its final game of last year, and have started this season 1-1 on their path back to respectability.

The Golden Eagles do have some talent on the roster. Here are some Southern Miss players to keep an eye on.

1. QB Nick Mullens: As a freshman, Mullens went through some ups and plenty of downs during a rough season, but started to put it together toward the end of the year. After struggling in the opener against Mississippi State, Mullens settled down and threw for two touchdowns and no picks against Alcorn State last week. As with any QB, he’ll need some protection against Alabama’s defensive front, which USM’s weak O-line might not be able to provide.

2. RB Ito Smith: The Golden Eagles freshman back was force fed the ball last week, and his effort helped push USM to a win over Alcorn State. If Southern Miss falls behind big quickly, the running game could be shelved as it was against Mississippi State, so Smith will have to do his work early.

3. WR Markese Triplett: Triplett, a senior, was the team’s leading last season. USM would like to become a big-time passing offense, and will need some production out of Triplett. He’s a bigger receiver, listed at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, but does a lot of his work from the slot. That could present a challenge for Alabama’s defensive backs.

4. DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches: After missing most of last year with a foot injury, the junior is back in action for USM. He’s had a hand in 11 tackles so far this season, and has one QB pressure. Getting some pressure on Blake Sims and Jacob Coker would be a welcome thing for the Golden Eagles.

5. CB Kalan Reed: Reed has been USM’s top defensive back through two games, already snagging two interceptions, and he will likely get the unenviable task of lining up across from Amari Cooper. He’s also registered seven tackles and has broken up a pass, and he’ll have to be sure in his tackling with the screen passes Cooper has being fed.