With bowl eligibility reached at 6-2(4-0), USM has sights set on much more
Head Coach Charles Huff told the Southern Miss faithful in his introductory press conference, “I didn’t come down here to play, I came here to win, and we will win.” While many believed him, I am not sure many thought the Golden Eagles would be bowl eligible after eight games and tied for the lead in the SBC West. Yet here we are. A program that won one game in 2024 is now playing for much more than just a bowl trip. As starting quarterback Braylon Braxton said in the presser following a thrashing of ULM 49-21, “We came here to win an SBC Championship.” The team and coaches believe, it is time for the fans to believe too.
The injury gods have been good to the Golden Eagles so far this season. That is also a turnaround from the past four years. Having a QB start eight consecutive games was unheard of in Hattiesburg. A new focus on nutrition and development has lead to fewer injuries and better player improvement. No place can it be seen better than on the offensive line. A group in the past four seasons had issues blocking a sled. This group now has really developed into a solid starting unit that has some depth to it. Braxton has been able to stand in the pocket and deliver passes downfield. He couldn’t do that without an OL to keep him safe.
Bowl eligibility has been checked, but with four games remaining the Golden Eahles want much more. Could an appearance in the SBC Championship game be in the Eagle’s future? It could very well be. Games at Arkansas State and South Alabama with home contest against Texas State and Troy are still on tap. There is still work to do but these Golden Eagles have earned the support to get the job done. Season like this have been few and far between in recent years. Let’s not put it to waste and make sure this 2025 Golden Eagle squad knows how much you all appreciate the effort to make this a special season and the start of many successful seasons yet to come.
