USM Golden Eagles struggling without Hopson

Since the resignation of University of Southern Mississippi head football coach Jay Hopson a few weeks ago, the Golden Eagles have been struggling.

Hopson, a Vicksburg native, was in his fifth season as head coach when he announced his resignation after the first game of the season where USM lost 32-21 against the University of South Alabama.

Hopson was able to maintain a winning season every year as the Golden Eagles head coach where he had a 28-23 coaching record.

USM is now 0-3 for the first time since 2013 after a 66-24 loss to Tulane University Saturday.

Hopson shocked the college football world in his first football game as USM’s head coach when he led the team to defeat the University of Kentucky in a 44-35 win. The loss of Hopson was a big blow to the Golden Eagles who hadn’t had great stability with a coach since the Larry Fedora days at USM. Hopson put the team back on track.

USM will face North Texas Saturday, and they are the underdogs yet again. It is not clear who will be the team’s next official head coach as no prospects have been mentioned. In the meantime, former co-defensive coordinator Scotty Walden, is filling in as interim head coach.