By RALPH D. RUSSO/AP Sports Writer

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A backup quarterback against the Blackshirts.

That's the unenviable situation Southern Mississippi faces Thursday night when No. 15 Nebraska (3-0) brings its once-again daunting defense known as the Blackshirts to the Deep South.

Dustin Almond will make his first start of the season for the Golden Eagles (2-1) in place of Micky D'Angelo, who is out with a concussion.

"It's a bigger responsibility," Almond said. "Everyone's looking up to you as far as the team. It feels pretty good."

Almond is no novice. The sophomore made three starts last season and has played in two of three games this year in relief of D'Angelo.

"We're fortunate we're not breaking in some guy for his first game against Nebraska," Golden Eagles offensive coordinator Rip Scherer said Monday, looking on the bright side.

Almond and D'Angelo have competed for the starting job each of the last two preseasons. Both times the more consistent D'Angelo came out on top.

This season D'Angelo was a clear choice, but through three games neither quarterback has played well as Southern Miss has sputtered offensively.

D'Angelo has completed 59.6 percent of his passes but has thrown three interceptions and only one touchdown.

The junior is expected to miss a month, recovering from the third concussion of his college career.

"I'm disappointed as you'd expect," D'Angelo said. "I'd like to be out there (Thursday night). It's a big game. I want to be a part of it, but at the same time I'm not able to, so I have to accept my role to help Dustin out during the game."

Almond is 7-for-22 for 93 yards this season. He played the second half against Memphis after D'Angelo was injured and completed only three of 14 passes.

D'Angelo's accuracy and decision making have kept him ahead of the more athletic but unrefined Almond.

"Dustin brings some other things to the table that Micky doesn't," Scherer said. "I'm confident in Dustin being able to run our offense, plus he gives us the added mobility."

Almond's speed and agility will probably come in handy against the Cornhuskers, who appear to have rebounded from an off year.

Nebraska ranks No. 1 in the country in total defense (208 yards per game) and scoring defense (8.0 points per game).

Meanwhile, Southern Miss is second-to-last in Conference USA in total offense (299.3 ypg). And as D'Angelo's injury shows, the Golden Eagles have trouble protecting their quarterbacks.

For Almond, the season has already taken a couple of twists and turns.

He was demoted from the No. 2 spot on the depth chart after the first game.

Neither Almond nor the coaches have said exactly why he spent a week in coach Jeff Bower's doghouse.

"I needed some time," is Almond's vague explanation.

Bower said Almond has returned to favor with a better attitude and acceptance of his role.

"I told the guys I'm going to come back and do whatever it takes to take this team to the Liberty Bowl, whether that's playing a backup role or the starting role. Just whatever I could do," Almond said.

Now, with two freshman playing behind him, Southern Miss has little choice but to rely on Almond for the immediate future.

"He's accepted the challenge," Bower said. "I think he's excited about it."

Is he ever.

"I'm ready to play the game now," said the low-key Almond. "It's kind of nerve-racking just sitting around waiting for the game. It'll be fine. The emotion and everything will come out Thursday night during the game. I won't be so mellow then."