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The Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football program, a cornerstone of collegiate athletics, embodies resilience and excellence. With a legacy spanning over a century since its inception in 1912, the team has etched its name in football lore. Based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, they compete fiercely in the Sun Belt Conference's West Division. Led by head coach Will Hall, the Golden Eagles soar high on the gridiron of M. M. Roberts Stadium, cheered on by passionate fans. With a tradition of producing Consensus All-Americans and securing numerous conference and division titles, Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football signifies vital stability of team.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Introduction

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football team, established in 1912, represents the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Led by head coach Will Hall and overseen by athletic director Jeremy McClain, they play their home games at M. M. Roberts Stadium. Competing in the Sun Belt Conference's West Division, they boast a proud history with 8 conference titles and 3 division titles. Their field, adorned with Sports Exe Momentum Turf, sets the stage for thrilling matchups.

With their fight song "Southern Miss to the Top" echoing in the stands, fans rally behind the team's mascot, Seymour d'Campus. The Golden Eagles have produced 78 Consensus All-Americans, showcasing their tradition of excellence. Their intense rivalries with Louisiana Tech, Memphis, and Tulane add excitement to each season, fueling passionate competition on the field.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football History

Southern Miss Golden Eagles football has a rich history dating back to 1912 when Ronald Slay first coached the team. Despite a hiatus during World War I, the program has persevered, guided by notable coaches like A. B. Dille and Allison Hubert. Known for their speed and ferocity, Hubert's teams left a lasting impact on the field.

The Golden Eagles have traversed various conference affiliations over the years, including stints as independent teams and membership in conferences like the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Gulf States Conference. Since 1996, they've been a

prominent member of Conference USA until their move to the Sun Belt Conference in 2022.

Southern Miss boasts an impressive all-time record of 617–462–27 (.570), highlighting its consistent success on the gridiron. The Tigers claimed two Division II national titles in 1958 and 1962, along with eight conference titles and three division titles.

Rivalries have added spice to their history, with matchups against Louisiana Tech, Memphis, and Tulane fueling competitive spirit and memorable moments on the field. These rivalries have enriched the football culture at Southern Miss.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Coach

The Golden Eagles football program, competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, has been led by 22 head coaches and 2 interim head coaches since its inception in 1912. Over its 103-season history, the team has participated in more than 1,050 games. Notably, eight coaches have guided Southern Miss in postseason bowl games, with four of them also securing conference championships.

Thad Vann holds the record for the most seasons coached and the most victories, with 139 wins during his 20-year tenure. Reed Green boasts the highest winning percentage among coaches with multiple games, at .735. Conversely, Ellis Johnson has the lowest winning percentage at .000. Among the distinguished head coaches, Vann has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Head Coach: Will Hall

Will Hall is an American football coach currently leading the University of Southern Mississippi football team. Prior to his role at Southern Miss, Hall served as the head football coach at the University of West Alabama from 2011 to 2013 and at the University of West Georgia from 2014 to 2016. He also brings experience as the offensive coordinator for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2017.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Stadium: M. M. Roberts Stadium

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football team practicing at M. M. Roberts Stadium, affectionately known as "The Rock at Southern Miss," accommodates 36,000 spectators. Its history traces back to 1932 when State Teachers College triumphed over Spring Hill College.

Originally dubbed Faulkner Field, it was dedicated to local benefactor L. E. Faulkner. The stadium was officially inaugurated in 1976 with a game against in-state rival University of Mississippi. Southern Miss boasts a 73% home winning rate since then. Renovations over the years have included enhancements like an irrigation system, upgraded lighting, and a modernized scoreboard.

In 2004, the field was renamed Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M. M. Roberts Stadium to honor Gene Carlisle, who funded a new playing surface. Major upgrades, including luxury suites and elevators, have enhanced the stadium's amenities, ensuring an enjoyable experience for fans and players alike.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Rivals

Southern Miss vs. Louisiana Tech: Rivalry in Dixie

The rivalry between Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech, known as the Rivalry in Dixie, commenced in 1935 and saw annual matchups until 1972. Over the years, they competed in various conferences, including the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Gulf States Conference.

In 2008, a four-game contract was signed to renew the rivalry, ensuring periodic clashes. This rivalry intensified when both teams became members of Conference USA's West Division. Despite Southern Miss's departure to the Sun Belt Conference, their meetings continue due to Louisiana Tech's presence in Conference USA. The series, marked by competitive matchups, has favored Southern Miss historically, with a win percentage of 60.0%.

Southern Miss vs. Memphis: Black and Blue Bowl

The rivalry between Southern Miss and Memphis, dubbed the Black and Blue Bowl, originated in 1935. Both teams were part of Conference USA's Eastern Division from 1995 to 2012. Despite the rivalry's intensity, it has been dormant since Memphis joined the American Athletic Conference. The series has been characterized by closely contested battles, owing to the competitive nature of both teams. Southern Miss holds a commanding lead in the series, with a win percentage of 64.3%.

Southern Miss vs. Tulane: Battle for the Bell

The Battle for the Bell is the name of the rivalry game between Southern Miss and Tulane. Despite being located approximately 110 miles apart, the rivalry is fierce. While they were annual opponents until 2006 due to Conference USA reconfiguration, they now schedule non-conference games against each other. Tulane's recent 21-3 victory signifies the ongoing competitiveness of this rivalry. Southern Miss maintains a lead in the series, with a win percentage of 74.2

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Record and stats

Southern Miss has secured eight conference championships, with seven outright victories and one shared. Additionally, the team boasts three division championships. Notably, they clinched national championships in 1958 and 1962 under Coach Thad Vann, as recognized by the United Press International - College Division. These remarkable seasons culminated in undefeated and 9–1 records respectively, showcasing the team's historical success.

National championships

Conference championships

Division championships

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Roster

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football team boasts a diverse roster with players across various positions.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football Schedule

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football team kicks off their regular season 2024: