Southern Miss football opens its 2024 season on Saturday at Kentucky. Dima Mixon and Devin Witson provide their game-by-game predictions for Southern Miss this year.

Southern Miss at Kentucky

• When: Aug. 31, 2024, 6:45 p.m. CT
• Where: Lexington, Kentucky
• Watch: SECN

Dima Mixon: Southern Miss will need to dominate the line of scrimmage to have a chance in this game. This will be a tall task against Kentucky’s defensive front, especially with an improved but still unproven offensive line. Additionally, Kentucky’s offensive line features four- and five-star talent. If USM can use the clock effectively and control time of possession, it could make the game closer than the oddsmakers predict. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening. 

Pick: Kentucky 45, Southern Miss 14

Record: 0-1, 0-0

Devin Witson: While it may not mirror the 2016 upset against the Wildcats, I believe the Golden Eagles will put up a good fight. However, facing an offense led by Georgia transfer quarterback Brock Vandagriff and deep-threat Barion Brown, it could be a long day for the Golden Eagles’ defense. 

Pick: Kentucky 35, Southern Miss 21 

Record: 0-1, 0-0

Southern Miss vs. Southeastern Louisiana

• When: Sept. 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT
• Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Watch: ESPN+

Dima Mixon: This game offers a great opportunity for Southern Miss to bounce back after the loss to Kentucky. Starting against Southeastern before playing Kentucky could lead to a scenario similar to last year, where Southern Miss opened with a win over Alcorn State only to get dominated by Florida State, which left them feeling flat against Tulane. Southern Miss will win this game and expect strong performances on both offense and defense. They will gain momentum before two significant upcoming games. 

Pick: Southern Miss 40, Southeastern Louisiana 3

Record: 1-1, 0-0

Devin Witson: The first home game at The Rock will be an excellent opportunity for Southern Miss to get back on track. Against FCS opponent Southeastern, both Ethan Crawford and Tate Rodemaker should have the chance to shine. This game will be a good warm-up before facing USF. 

Pick: Southern Miss 30, Southeastern Louisiana 7

Record: 1-1, 0-0

Southern Miss vs. USF

• When: Sept. 14, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT
• Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Watch: ESPN+

Dima Mixon: USF is coming off a 45-0 bowl victory over Syracuse and is returning nearly its entire team from last season. They should come into The Rock 1-1, barring a miracle at Bryant-Denny Stadium, making this a significant test for both teams looking to gain momentum. USF returns their quarterback, Byrum Brown, who threw for 3,292 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. Southern Miss will have their hands full. Playing at home and under the lights, I think Southern Miss will be competitive, but I have to go with the proven quarterback.

 Pick: USF 27, Southern Miss 20

Record: 1-2, 0-0

Devin Witson: Against a team considered a rising star among Group of Five programs, USF will pose a strong challenge for the Golden Eagles. Led by Byrum Brown, one of the top quarterbacks in the American Conference, it could be difficult for Southern Miss’ defense to contain him. However, it will be a close contest. 

Pick: USF 28, Southern Miss 24 

Record: 1-2, 0-0

Southern Miss at Jacksonville State

• When: Sept. 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m. CT
• Where: Jacksonville, Alabama
• Watch: ESPN+

Dima Mixon: Following a potential loss to USF, this feels like a must-win game for Southern Miss and head coach Will Hall. Starting 1-3 in a pivotal year would be far from ideal. I don’t believe Jacksonville State has found a quarterback who has proven themselves, and with their schedule, they might come into this game needing a must-win as well. Since it’s on the road, I’m taking Jacksonville State, but if USM’s defense travels well, they could cause havoc. For now, I’ll stick with the home team. 

Pick: Jacksonville State 21, Southern Miss 20 

Record: 1-3, 0-0

Devin Witson: Jacksonville State had a fantastic first FBS season, finishing 9-4. However, I believe Southern Miss will pose a challenge, making this a potential breakout game for someone ahead of Sun Belt Conference play. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, Jacksonville State 21 

Record: 2-2, 0-0

Southern Miss vs. Louisiana

• When: Oct. 5, 2024
• Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: Starting 1-3 isn’t ideal, but I think this is where Southern Miss begins to turn the season around. By now, they should have a better handle on their offense and have shored up some things. Southern Miss also has had Louisiana’s number in football, so I’ll stick with that trend. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, Louisiana 17 

Record: 2-3, 1-0

Devin Witson: This matchup against Louisiana will be another classic battle. Southern Miss appears set to win again, with the defense likely taking center stage. This could be the standout defensive performance of the season. 

Pick: Southern Miss 35, Louisiana 14

Record: 3-2, 1-0

Southern Miss at ULM

• When: Oct. 12, 2024
• Where: Monroe, Louisiana
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: As long as General Booty doesn’t have an exceptional performance for the 15 people there, Southern Miss should cruise to victory. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, ULM 13

Record: 3-3, 2-0

Devin Witson: In their second conference game against another Louisiana team, Southern Miss should have everything in place to potentially dominate the Warhawks. This win would make them 2-0 in conference play. 

Pick: Southern Miss 41, ULM 21

Record: 4-2, 2-0

Southern Miss vs. Arkansas State (Homecoming)

• When: Oct. 19, 2024
• Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: I’m predicting a surprise upset for Southern Miss here. Although Arkansas State might be the preseason favorite, Southern Miss hasn’t had the success on Homecoming they should. This game will likely be at night, and with Arkansas State potentially struggling, I’ll take Southern Miss, especially with their defense accustomed to seeing a player like Jaylen Raynor. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, Arkansas State 28 

Record: 4-3, 3-0

Devin Witson: Similar to last season, it might not be the outcome Golden Eagle fans want against Arkansas State. Led by Jaylen Raynor, it could be a long day if Southern Miss can’t contain him. 

Pick: Arkansas State 42, Southern Miss 30 

Record: 4-3, 2-1

Southern Miss at James Madison

• When: Oct. 26, 2024
• Where: Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: If the season unfolds as I think it will, this game could be crucial for Southern Miss’s chances in the West Division. Starting 4-0 in conference play would be significant, but a road game against a team that should have won the Sun Belt in the last two seasons is a tall order. 

Pick: James Madison 38, Southern Miss 20 

Record: 4-4, 3-1

Devin Witson: Despite losing head coach Curt Cignetti and several players, James Madison remains talented. With key players like Ayo Adeyi and Dylan Morris still around, this will be a competitive game that could go either way. 

Pick: James Madison 24, Southern Miss 14 

Record: 4-4, 2-2

Southern Miss vs. Marshall

• When: Nov. 9, 2024
• Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: Southern Miss seems to drop a game every year that they just can’t afford to lose. This game feels like that scenario. Coming off a tough loss to JMU, they might return home for a potentially sluggish noon kickoff against a Marshall team in a similar position. I’m picking the Thundering Herd. 

Pick: Marshall 24, Southern Miss 21 

Record: 4-5, 3-2

Devin Witson: This game has the feel of a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle. Southern Miss and Marshall should both be trying to position themselves for bowl eligibility, making for an intriguing game at The Rock. 

Pick: Southern Miss 34, Marshall 30 

Record: 5-4, 3-2

Southern Miss at Texas State

• When: Nov. 16, 2024
• Where: San Marcos, Texas
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: This will be the toughest opponent Southern Miss faces, aside from Kentucky. The Golden Eagles face Texas State on the road, where the Bobcats might be fighting for a playoff spot if their season goes as expected. This game will be a humbling experience for Southern Miss. 

Pick: Texas State 49, Southern Miss 14

Record: 4-6, 3-3

Devin Witson: Many favor Texas State to win the conference, and I wouldn’t disagree. Texas State is extremely talented, led by a strong running game with Ismail Mahdi, Deion Hankins, and Jordan McCloud. I see a very long day ahead for the Golden Eagles in San Marcos. 

Pick: Texas State 42, Southern Miss 20 

Record: 5-5, 3-3

Southern Miss vs. South Alabama

• When: Nov. 23, 2024
• Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: A lot of these players are seniors who have been committed to this team since head coach Will Hall’s first day. This will be Senior Day, and it’s uncertain how good South Alabama will be, given their roster turnover. I think this is the year Southern Miss finally gets over the South Alabama hurdle on Senior Day. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, South Alabama 28 

Record: 5-6, 4-3.

Devin Witson: While South Alabama enters the season with more questions than answers, Southern Miss might have a chance to sneak by with a win, but it will require a perfect game. South Alabama has had the upper hand over Southern Miss for a while now, so if there’s ever a chance to turn the tide, this season is the time to do it. 

Pick: South Alabama 35, Southern Miss 30

Record: 5-6, 3-4

Southern Miss at Troy

• When: Nov. 30, 2024
• Where: Troy, Alabama
• Watch: TBA

Dima Mixon: Like South Alabama, we don’t know how good Troy will be this season due to extensive roster turnover. I think Southern Miss will head to Troy knowing a bowl game is on the line, and someone will step up to secure a win to finish the regular season at 6-6. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, Troy 24

Record: 6-6, 5-3

Devin Witson: Ending the season against a Troy team that might have taken a step back, this game is more of a toss-up. Southern Miss would definitely want to finish the season on a high note, and there’s no better team to do that against than the Troy Trojans. 

Pick: Southern Miss 31, Troy 28

Record: 6-6, 4-4