Southern Miss left the nest on its first road trip of the season but couldn’t soar, falling 30-20 to former and future conference rival Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs jumped out early with three first-quarter touchdowns and never trailed, capitalizing on a pick-six in the second quarter and a crucial goal-line stand in the third to stall the Golden Eagles’ comeback efforts.
Despite punting on seven straight possessions—including four three-and-outs—Louisiana Tech leaned on its fast start. Southern Miss had its chances, reaching midfield before Kolbe Fields intercepted Braylon Braxton early in the second quarter, and later driving 74 yards into the red zone only to miss a field goal. The Bulldogs padded their lead just before halftime, with Clay Thevenin’s late score making it 30-10 at the break.
USM’s defense tightened up after halftime, and the offense answered with a 12-play, 86-yard march, but the Golden Eagles came up empty again after four failed tries inside the 2-yard line. A tipped touchdown catch by Davis Dalton in the final 30 seconds only narrowed the margin, though Southern Miss did outgain Louisiana Tech 441-338.
Braxton finished with 392 passing yards and two touchdowns, including a 30-yarder to Kyirin Heath in the first quarter. Tight end Eli Finley was a difference-maker, hauling in six passes for 155 yards—120 of them on his first two touches, which both set up early scores.
The Golden Eagles drop to 2-2 and now return home for the fourth time in five weeks, hosting Jacksonville State next Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
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