UCF return men pose challenge

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HATTIESBURG — Not only will Southern Miss be seeing one of the best running backs in the country in Kevin Smith when the Golden Eagles host Central Florida at 7 p.m. Sunday, they will have to contend with two of the best return men in Conference USA.

TB Curtis Francis ranks fifth nationally in kickoff returns at 31.6 yards per return, including a 93-yard return. Francis' partner in returns, CB Emery Allen, is averaging 23.9 yards per return.

"They have two, big-time players back there," USM coach Jeff Bower said. "They are good in the kicking game, and it's going to be important for us to contain that."

- Tim Doherty: ClarionLedger.com