The Southern Miss Golden Eagles fell to 1-8 on the season and 0-5 in Sun Belt Conference play after a 37-3 loss to the Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday at Carlisle-Faulkner Field.
Marshall (6-3, 4-1 Sun Belt) started strong with a 69-yard pass on their opening drive, setting up a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. Despite an interception by the Herd later in the first quarter, the Golden Eagles’ defense held firm, which Interim Head Coach Reed Stringer praised.
“The defense got put in some tough situations, and they came up with some big plays,” Stringer said. “In the first half, the defense played well enough for us to win a football game for two weeks in a row.”
Marshall extended its lead to 10-0 in the second quarter after an eight-play, 48-yard drive. Southern Miss responded with a 51-yard field goal by Connor Gibbs, but Marshall’s Ethan Payne broke loose for a 36-yard touchdown run, making it 17-3 by halftime.
In the second half, Marshall scored on a 73-yard drive that took just four plays, stretching their lead to 24-3. Southern Miss had a chance to respond, but a penalty for an illegal shift negated their drive. Stringer acknowledged the team’s lack of discipline.
“We’re just not playing very disciplined,” Stringer said. “All the offsides, illegal motions, and things like that have to be fixed.”
A muffed punt by Marshall that Southern Miss recovered was ruled as kick catch interference, a call that frustrated fans, though Stringer agreed with the officials.
“Everyone in the stadium will disagree, but it was the correct call,” Stringer said. “That’s football.”
Marshall pulled away in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns in four minutes, sealing the 34-point victory. Ethan Payne led the Herd with 104 rushing yards, including a 36-yard touchdown. Marshall quarterback Braylon Braxton threw for 220 yards and a touchdown, completing 14-of-21 passes.
Golden Eagle quarterback Ethan Crawford struggled, finishing 5-of-18 for 70 yards and three interceptions. Southern Miss was outgained 526-183 in total offense.
Freshman linebacker, Chris Jones, led the way on defense, accounting for eight total tackles and forcing a fumble.
“Being a young guy, you know the older guys want to lead their team, and I understand that, so I have just been trying to play and show out for those guys who may be playing their last down in football,” Jones said. “That’s all I can do.”
Despite the team’s seventh straight loss, Southern Miss running back Dreke Clark emphasized the importance of staying together.
“Our coaches tell us we’re playing for Southern Miss, but you’re also playing for the name on the back of your jersey,” Clark said. “We know we’re facing a whole lot of adversity. At the end of the day, we just have to keep going, continue to have fun, and find something to play for.”
Southern Miss returns to action next Saturday on the road against Texas State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in San Marcos, Texas.
