University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Goes for Second-Straight Home Victory Saturday
9/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team goes for its second consecutive home victory when they entertain non-conference foe, Appalachian State, here Saturday in a 6 p.m., contest at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at Roberts Stadium.
The game can be heard on the Southern Miss IMG Sports Network, including the flagship station Rock 104 (WXXR, 104.5 FM in Hattiesburg/Laurel) as well as be seen on one of the affiliates of the American Sports Network.
The Golden Eagles welcome an Appalachian State team that is coming off a bye week, having dropped its opener at Michigan, 52-14, before thrashing Campbell 66-0 at home to even their season record to 1-1.
This is the Mountaineers first season at the Football Bowl Subdivision level, as they joined the Sun Belt Conference this season. The program won three-straight FBS titles from 2005 to 2007.
App State will play a Southern Miss squad that is 1-2 on the year, but captured its only home decision, a 26-20 victory over Alcorn State, two weeks ago. The Golden Eagles also have lost on the road at SEC foes Mississippi State and No.3 Alabama.
This game marks the first meeting between the two schools since the 1937 season, when the Golden Eagles collected a 7-0 victory over App State in Gulfport. The game was played as part of a fundraiser for the Gulfport Men's Business Club's doll and toy drive. The Mountaineers coach at the time, Kidd Brewer, once coached at Gulfport High School.
The Golden Eagles looks to the ground game this weekend for success as a pair of Golden Eagle freshmen have led the team in rushing this season. Ito Smith leads the way with 176 yards on 51 carries, while Tez Parks has notched 82 yards on just 10 rushes.
Sophomore quarterback Nick Mullens goes after his fourth 200-yard passing game to start the season. He also has eight in his nine career Golden Eagle starts. Mullens has hit two receivers for over 100 yards this season, including junior Casey Martin with 121 yards on 14 catches, while senior Markese Triplett has 100 receiving yards on 12 grabs.
On defense, Southern Miss has been led by senior Jacorius Cotton with 22 tackles while Emmanuel Johnson has added 21.
Tickets still remain for the game on Saturday. The Pat Ferlise Center will be open from 10 a.m., until 2:30 p.m., for those wanting to purchase tickets on game day, while the stadium box office opens at 3 p.m., until halftime of the game.
