By james art In the Golden Eagles’ first game since Will Hall’s suspension on Sunday, they showed grit on the road but lacked second-half spark in their seventh loss of 2024.
Connor Gibbs’ 44-yard field goal opened the scoring Saturday afternoon in Harrisonburg, Virginia. But the crushing offense of James Madison (6-2, 2-2) responded with 17 straight points to give the Dukes a lead they would never relinquish.
Gibbs scored two more field goals to close the half, pulling Southern Miss within one score for a 17-9 halftime deficit. Clay Bignell’s defense kept the game within reach for most of the game, but the offense lacked the firepower to make a serious impact.
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Gibbs does 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 by UConn transfer Cam Ross opened the second half. And though Southern Miss responded with its only touchdown drive of the game to cut into the deficit, a blocked PAT returned for a touchdown shattered 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 interesting, the lack of offense was once again the death knell for Southern Miss. Ethan Crawford was just 11-for-34 passing for 178 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was also sacked nine times for a net loss of 40 yards. A fumble inside the James Madison 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 ultimately spelled defeat.
Final from Harrisonburg pic.twitter.com/ugwuiaqHz8
— Southern Miss Football (@SouthernMissFB) October 26, 2024
Coming into the game after a midseason coaching change, there weren’t high expectations for the Golden Eagles to go on the road and beat the defending Sun Belt East Division champions. And while interim head coach Reid Stringer’s team fell short, the Black and Gold showed heart – a promising sign as the search for a new senior man continues.