Mississippi State blew a close game open, scoring three touchdowns to earn a 37-14 victory over Southern Miss and spoil new coach Charles Huff’s debut.
The loss marked the second consecutive season-opening defeat for the Golden Eagles and their seventh straight loss to Mississippi State since the school’s first met in Hattiesburg in 2015.
“First off, I appreciate every single person that showed up today,” Huff said. “I appreciate every single person that put a lot of energy into making this a really special day. Obviously, not the result we want, but it showed where we can be. We showed what it will look like when we get back to the top. Not enough plays were made throughout the game to beat a really good team. Hats off to Mississippi State and their staff, players played a really good game.”
On the opening drive, the Golden Eagles gave up a 55-yard touchdown pass as Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen connected with Seydou Treore. Southern Miss responded with a field goal from Reed Harradine with 7:54 left in the first quarter, a score set up by an interception from newcomer Michael Montgomery.
Quarterback Braylon Braxton, the preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, completed 26 of 39 passes for 199 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries. He credited his offensive line afterward.
“Yeah, I thought our O-line held up in the pass game, I mean, that's an SEC line,” Braxton said. “I mean, they didn't just cave us in.”
Not only was Huff impressed with the offensive line, but Braxton was as well.
“Shout out to the boys up front,” Braxton said. “They did their thing today. Shout out to them. I owe the boys a meal. You know, that there’s a great group up there.”
Following a 55-yard field goal by Mississippi State kicker Kyle Farrie, Braxton connected with Micah Davis for a touchdown to bring Southern Miss within striking distance. The Bulldogs answered with another field goal from 30 yards, giving them a 13-10 lead at halftime.
In the final minute of the game, Braxton connected with TJ Johnson for a touchdown, trimming Mississippi State’s lead to 17.
For much of the first half, the Bulldogs were shaky on both sides of the ball, with two touchdowns called back and settled twice for field goals.
Shapen finished 26 of 33 for 270 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
The Golden Eagles return to action next Saturday when they host in-state opponent Jackson State. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Tickets are available at SouthernMiss.com/tickets.
