University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Photo by: Joe Harper
Defense Putting Up Solid Numbers through First Quarter of Season
9/26/2018 7:18:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Excellence has been the norm during the first quarter of the 2018 football season for the Southern Miss defense.
The Golden Eagles, which has won two of their first three games, ranked nationally in the top 25 in five defensive categories.
Under the direction of Tim Billings, the Golden Eagle defense ranks first in the FBS in first downs allowed, third in red zone defense, fourth in passing yards allowed (139.3), ninth in total defense allowed (271.7) and No.21 in scoring defense (16.7 points allowed).
The defense will need to continue its strong start this weekend when they face their toughest test of the year to date at Auburn in the final non-conference game of the year.
"They're a football team that's talented, they come at you at many different directions," said third-year Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson. "We know it's a stiff challenge for us defensively, as well as offensively."
Game time from Jordan-Hare Stadium is at 3 p.m., CT. The game can be seen on the SEC Network as well as heard on one of the affiliates of the Southern Miss IMG Sports Network.
Individually, senior Jeremy Sangster leads the squad in tackles with 14, while fellow senior Picasso Nelson, Jr., ranks second at 13 and sophomore Racheem Boothe has added 11.
The Golden Eagles also hold five interceptions of which sophomore Ky'el Hemby leads the way with two.
Following the Auburn contest, the Golden Eagles will enjoy an off week before heading to North Texas, Saturday, Oct. 13, for a Conference USA tilt.
The Golden Eagles, which has won two of their first three games, ranked nationally in the top 25 in five defensive categories.
Under the direction of Tim Billings, the Golden Eagle defense ranks first in the FBS in first downs allowed, third in red zone defense, fourth in passing yards allowed (139.3), ninth in total defense allowed (271.7) and No.21 in scoring defense (16.7 points allowed).
The defense will need to continue its strong start this weekend when they face their toughest test of the year to date at Auburn in the final non-conference game of the year.
"They're a football team that's talented, they come at you at many different directions," said third-year Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson. "We know it's a stiff challenge for us defensively, as well as offensively."
Game time from Jordan-Hare Stadium is at 3 p.m., CT. The game can be seen on the SEC Network as well as heard on one of the affiliates of the Southern Miss IMG Sports Network.
Individually, senior Jeremy Sangster leads the squad in tackles with 14, while fellow senior Picasso Nelson, Jr., ranks second at 13 and sophomore Racheem Boothe has added 11.
The Golden Eagles also hold five interceptions of which sophomore Ky'el Hemby leads the way with two.
Following the Auburn contest, the Golden Eagles will enjoy an off week before heading to North Texas, Saturday, Oct. 13, for a Conference USA tilt.
Players Mentioned
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