Southern provides USC bulletin board material

(NECN: Chestnut Hill, Mass.) - No. 7 seed Boston College will play Southern California on Friday in Minneapolis in the first round of the Men's NCAA tournament. The Eagles were boosted by quality wins over North Carolina and Duke, but the team has had it's fair shair of struggles this season, losing to Ivy Leage team Harvard -- at home. Which is why it might sound a little strange to hear sophomore forward Josh Southern pointing out USC's deficiencies. "I know that they have some athleticism, but maybe they're lacking a little toughness," Southern said. "We have some toughness on this team and we've demonstrated that over the course of the season." Fair points, possibly. USC won the Pac-10 tournament, but had one less win than BC's 22 this season. So, if Southern were to stop there, one would understand. But looking past the Trojans would open up a can of worms. "I'm glad we're a 7 seed and I'll get a chance to meet Michigan State, I think," Southern said. "I'm from Michigan so that's going to be a pleasure to play them, so I'm looking forward to it." If Boston College wins on Friday, it would face the winner of Michigan State, Robert Morris. A reporter pointed out to Southern that it sounded as if he was guaranteeing a win against USC. He denied that what he said was a guarantee -- just positive thinking. "Not really guaranteeing," Southern said. "I just try to be positive and speak positive." "Not trying to be cocky or anything. Like I said, I'm just trying to speak positive. I pray every night that we have the chance to play for the National Championship. I’m just very, very excited, but at the same time just still trying to be humble about it."