In the Golden Eagles’ first game after Will Hall’s termination on Sunday, they showed spunk on the road but lacked a second half spark in their seventh loss of 2024.
A 44-yard Connor Gibbs field goal opened the scoring on Saturday afternoon in Harrisonburg, Virginia. But a grinding attack from James Madison (6-2, 2-2) answered with 17 straight points to give the Dukes a lead they would never relinquish.
Gibbs pounded two more field goals between the posts to close the half, drawing Southern Miss within one score for a 17-9 margin at intermission. Clay Bignell’s defense kept the game within reach for the majority of the game, but the offense lacked the juice to land a serious blow.
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Gibbs doees it again as the clock strikes zero. This one is good from 46 yards!! pic.twitter.com/5eoT3JPkV3
— Southern Miss Football (@SouthernMissFB) October 26, 2024
A 94-yard kickoff return touchdown from UConn transfer Cam Ross opened the second half. And though Southern Miss answered with their lone touchdown drive of the game to cut into the deficit, a blocked PAT returned for a touchdown dashed any momentum gathered by the score.
Another touchdown by Cam Ross, this time a 7-yard reception early in the fourth quarter, were the final points of the day to settle the final score at 32-15.
While the defense played well enough at times to make the affair an interesting one, a lack of offense was again the death knell for Southern Miss. Ethan Crawford was just 11-for-34 passing for 178 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. He was also sacked nine times for a net loss of 40 yards. A fumble inside James Madison’s five-yard line by Tate Rodemaker, who replaced Crawford for one play, and eight penalties for 93 yards combined for a microcosm of missed opportunities and mistakes that spelled defeat in the end.
Final from Harrisonburg pic.twitter.com/ugwuiaqHz8
— Southern Miss Football (@SouthernMissFB) October 26, 2024
In the game following a midseason coaching change, there was little expectation for the Golden Eagles to hit the road and knock off the defending Sun Belt East Division champions. And though interim head coach Reed Stringer’s team came up short, the black and gold showed heart – a promising sign as the search for a new head man continues.
