College football is alive again in the Hub City, and with it comes both excitement and questions for Southern Miss fans. After the season opener at The Rock, one thing is clear: the Golden Eagles have potential, but execution and discipline will determine how far this team can go.
Charles Huff, Marshall’s head coach, and the ever-changing transfer portal have shifted the college football landscape. Saturday’s matchup reflected just that, with new faces on both sidelines shaping the game.
The Eagle Walk kicked off at 8:30 a.m. under a light drizzle that gave way to gray skies. By kickoff, The Rock was as full as it has been in years. Still, the energy in the stands only matters if the play on the field matches it.
Southern Miss’ defense set the tone, making key stops and forcing turnovers. The defensive line anchored a unit that looked sharp and aggressive. That side of the ball has real promise.
But the offense left points on the field. Multiple times, defensive stands created opportunities, only for the offense to stall. Against stronger opponents, those missed chances will prove costly.
Marshall transfer quarterback Braylon Braxton added intrigue to the game, showing he can extend plays with his legs as well as his arm. At times, however, he held on too long, turning potential gains into losses.
Discipline, or lack thereof, stood out most. Coach Huff preaches it, but his team didn’t show it. Southern Miss committed costly penalties, including illegal formations, delays of game, and even a late hit on offense. Against Mississippi State, those mistakes piled up into valuable yardage given away.
The run defense also left edges exposed. Mississippi State’s rotating backs repeatedly found space outside, a weakness other teams will quickly exploit if it goes uncorrected.
The good news? This is only the beginning. The Golden Eagles return to The Rock on Sept. 6 against Jackson State at 4 p.m. With a few adjustments, Southern Miss can build on its defensive promise and turn this season into something special.
Fans should stay optimistic—but realistic. Until the Golden Eagles cut down on penalties and finish drives, this will be a team defined more by “what if” than “what’s next.”