The Southern Miss Golden Eagles beat Appalachian State 38-22 on Saturday night to open Sun Belt Conference play. USM showed yet another impressive defensive effort, capped off by a 99-yard pick-six from Golden Eagle safety Ian Foster.
The USM Nasty Bunch defense finished the game with three interceptions, including Foster’s, all coming when Appalachian State was in the red zone.
“You’ve gotta kind of make some decisions,” Huff said. “You want to give up a seven-yard play or an 80-yard play?”
In the trenches, the Golden Eagles racked up five sacks totaling 42 yards and held the Mountaineers to a rushing average of 2.5 yards. J’Mond Tapp, the former Arizona State Sun Devil and Texas Longhorn, came into the game without a collegiate sack and left with three.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Golden Eagles looked the best they have looked all season.
“The team as a whole is developing an identity,” said USM running back Jeffrey Pittman.
But he also noted that the team still has a long way to go.
“Not finished at all,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do. Everybody has to improve throughout the season.”
Golden Eagle quarterback Braylon Braxton continued his hot streak, completing 22 of 30 passes for 279 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
This win marked the first Sun Belt victory for Southern Miss in the Huff era, and the coach was blunt about his expectations.
“This ain’t the same old Southern Miss, and it won’t be ever again,” Huff said.
The Golden Eagles’ next outing will be in Ruston against Louisiana Tech. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
