Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora received a contract extension Monday — one lasting through 2012.

At 7-6 (a record equal to that of previous coach Jeff Bower in 2007) one would shrug their shoulders and wonder if the Eagles were prematurely celebrating, like their Mississippi State counterparts.

Once you look at the numbers (and take into consideration the effect it has had on recruiting) it’s easy to understand why everyone in H’burg is so excited.

Southern Miss broke 36 school records and tied six more during the year. The offense enjoyed its highest ever national ranking in total offense at No. 20 in the FBS, after tallying a school-best 5,636 yards as well as a school-best per game average of 433.5. The Golden Eagle defense did not surrender over 100 yards rushing in each of the final five games and forced 29 turnovers during the year which ranked tied for No. 10 in turnover margin in the FBS.