USM defeats Jackson State 38-20

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (USM Athletics​) — Southern Miss blocked a first-quarter punt and returned it for a touchdown en route to a 38-20 victory over Jackson State on Saturday at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. ​ Roberts Stadium.

The Golden Eagles (1-1) snapped the nation’s longest FBS losing streak of 11 games with the victory, while they ended the Tigers’ (1-1) longest Division I winning streak of 11 games.

Braylon Braxton led the Golden Eagles with three touchdown passes, including a pivotal 15-yard strike to Micah Davis in the third quarter that extended Southern Miss’ lead to 24-10. Braxton finished the game completing 20 of 30 passes for 214 yards, while the Golden Eagles’ rushing attack added 139 yards, highlighted by Jeffery Pittman’s 71-yard effort.

The tone setter came on Ahmere Foster’s blocked punt that Zach Ruffin returned 30 yards for a touchdown just three minutes into the game. The Golden Eagles added another score late in the first quarter when Braxton connected with Bralon Brown for an 8-yard touchdown pass, giving Southern Miss a 14-3 lead. ​

Jackson State fought back in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 14-10 after Emari Matthews broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run. However, Southern Miss responded with a 35-yard field goal from Reed Harradine to maintain control heading into halftime with a 17-10 advantage.

Foster added a second-quarter interception that thwarted a late Jackson State drive. ​

The Golden Eagles’ defense proved instrumental, forcing two interceptions and limiting Jackson State to just 131 passing yards. Mathias Haygood and Josh Battle each recorded sacks, while MaLik Caswell returned an interception 23 yards late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Southern Miss continued to dominate in the final quarter, with Robert Briggs Jr. breaking through for a 15-yard rushing touchdown and Kadinn Morris catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from Braxton. The Golden Eagles converted all five of their red-zone opportunities, showcasing their efficiency in critical moments.

Jackson State’s Gerardo Baeza contributed two field goals, including a 40-yarder in the fourth quarter, and Ahmad Miller added an 8-yard rushing touchdown late in the game. ​ Despite their efforts, the Tigers struggled to keep pace with Southern Miss’ balanced attack.