GAME DAY PRIMER: Louisiana Tech vs Southern Miss
Louisiana Tech (2-1) returns to non-conference action on Saturday night with a showdown against Southern Miss (2-1).
Game Details
- Date: September 20, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Radio: KXKZ 107.5
Team Records
- Louisiana Tech: 2-1
- Southern Miss: 2-1
- Last Meeting: Southern Miss defeated Louisiana Tech 35-19 in 2021
Head Coaches
- Sonny Cumbie: (13-27 in his fourth season at Louisiana Tech)
- Charles Huff: (2-1 in his first season at Southern Miss)
Key Storylines
Can Louisiana Tech deliver another standout performance for a second straight week?
When Louisiana Tech takes the field on Saturday, it will have been 1,752 days since the program last strung together back-to-back wins — a drought dating all the way back to 2020.
Against New Mexico State, the Bulldogs were outstanding in all three phases of the game. From start to finish, there wasn’t a single stat that raised concern — it was as complete a performance as Tech has delivered in years.
But the mark of a good team — a true Conference USA contender — is consistency. And that’s exactly what’s at stake Saturday night.
How does the defense plan to limit Braylon Braxton’s impact?
Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton is as dynamic as any signal-caller in the Group of Five. Over his last 14 games—split between Marshall and Southern Miss—the Frisco, Texas native has totaled 3,031 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, showcasing his ability to impact the game through the air and on the ground.
Braxton belongs in the same conversation as some of the most talented quarterbacks Louisiana Tech has faced in recent years—names like Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Kaidon Salter (Liberty), Taylen Green (Arkansas), Austin Reed (WKU), Chandler Morris (UNT), and Preston Stone (SMU).
According to Pro Football Focus, Braxton ranks 9th nationally in Big Time Throws and has been lethal when attacking downfield, throwing 10 touchdowns with zero interceptions over the last two seasons on passes of 20+ yards. He’s not just willing to take deep shots—he’s exceptionally effective when he does.
On the ground, Braxton adds another layer of threat, averaging 44 rushing yards per game and bringing physicality at 230 pounds that makes him tough to bring down.
Containing him will be a top priority for defensive coordinator Luke Olson and his unit. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, Olson is no stranger to the challenge—he coached Braxton during their time together at Tulsa in 2021 and 2022. Given Olson’s track record, there’s every reason to believe his defense will be well-prepared for the task.
Weekly Coverage Recap
Monday Morning Hype: Louisiana Tech vs Southern Miss
Press Conference: Sonny Cumbie discusses matchup with Southern Miss
Breaking Down Louisiana Tech’s Week 4 Depth Chart vs Southern Miss
BTB Radio: NMSU Recap, Hinton previews Southern Miss, Thorne joins In-Studio to talk Tech Athletics
Scouting Southern Miss QB Braylon Braxton
Former Bulldogs in the NFL: Week 2 Performance Breakdown
Breaking Down the Stats: Louisiana Tech vs. Southern Miss
Recruiting Buzz: LA Tech Hosting LOADED Visitor List for USM Game
Opponent Analysis: Southern Miss
Score Predictions: Louisiana Tech vs Southern Miss
Three Keys to Victory: Southern Miss
Analytical Edge: A Data-Driven Breakdown of Louisiana Tech vs Southern Miss
Final Word Friday: Preview, Bold Prediction & Insight for Louisiana Tech vs. Southern Miss
GAME THREAD | Louisiana Tech vs Southern Miss
Join BleedTechBlue
Sign up for BleedTechBlue today – $1 for the first week, plus a complimentary year of access to The Athletic included.
Take advantage of this great deal TODAY!
