Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Alcorn State Braves: A Preview
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles kick off week one of the 2023 college football season at The Rock as they host the Alcorn State Braves. The Golden Eagles have their best team in the Will Hall era and are 3-0 against Alcorn State.
Broadcast Information
- Date: Saturday, September 2
- Time: 6 PM CST
- Where: M.M. Robert Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS
- T.V./Streaming: ESPN+
- Radio: WXRR 104.5 FM, Hattiesburg
The Stakes
This will be the most talented Golden Eagles team under head coach Will Hall and Southern Miss will be looking to improve significantly on their 7-6 record of a year ago.
Alcorn State will also be looking to improve in the win column from a 5-6 record last season. A win over Southern Miss would give head coach Fred McNair his 42nd win of his career and the Braves’ first season-opening win in seven years.
Key Players-Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Hall has named Billy Wiles (Clemson transfer) as the QB1 starter. The Golden Eagles desperately need some consistent and injury-free quarterback play, so Frank Gore, Jr. can play just running back.
Gore is a legitimate Heisman contender and is ranked among the Top 100 College Football Players for 2023, according to ESPN.
On defense, Jay Stanley is the leader in the Golden Eagles secondary (59 tackles, five INTs, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, and 3 forced fumbles).
Key Players-Alcorn State Braves
- Jarveon Howard, who led the SWAC with 1316 yards and 12 touchdowns.
- LB Terreance Ellis. Ellis racked up 68 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble.
- QB Tyler Macon (a Missouri transfer) will get his first start under center for the Braves.
Prediction: The Golden Eagles will soar
The Golden Eagles own a 3-0 series record vs. Alcorn State, but they are 2-3 in season openers over the last five years. In 2022, the Southern Miss defense was nationally ranked in sacks (4th), tackles for loss (3rd), and interceptions (7th). They will be the toughest defense in the Sun Belt, and Gore is the best running back. Look for the Braves to get stymied on offense and get a heavy dose of Gore on defense. The Golden Eagles will win this one 35-10.
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