University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Photo by: Joe Harper/bgnphoto.com
Forcing Turnovers Proves Beneficial During Charles Huff’s First Season
11/20/2025 1:51:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Success has followed Southern Miss football in 2025 when they have had the ability to force turnovers with its defense.
The Golden Eagles have forced multiple takeaways in seven contests in coach Charles Huff's first season. They have registered victories in each of those contests, enabling them to produce a 7-3 overall record as well as a 5-1 league mark. Their conference record shows them a game up in the Sun Belt Conference West Division with two remaining in the regular season.
As a team, Southern Miss's defense produced 25 turnovers, 20 interceptions and five fumbles, over the first 10 games while giving up just 12 on the year. That equates to a plus-1.30 turnover margin a game, which ranks first in the Sun Belt and only trails North Texas (1.40) and Indiana (1.36) in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Golden Eagles interception total ranks first nationally, while their total turnovers are No. 2 only behind SMU.
Fourteen different players have forced takeaways from the opposition this fall with Josh Moten leading the way with five interceptions – three of those coming at Arkansas State. His five picks rank him one of eight players nationally to lead the country in both total interceptions and picks per game.
Ian Foster is next on the list with four total forced turnovers, including three interceptions and one fumble recovery, with two of his picks having been returned for touchdowns which also is tops in the country.
Additionally, Ahmere Foster has registered three errant passes from the opposition, while both Anthony Richard, Jr., and Michael Montgomery have added two pass takeaways with nine other Golden Eagles having at least one takeaway.
Those turnovers have equated to 61 points for the Golden Eagles this season helping add to the team's 30.5 points scored per contest.
The Golden Eagles look to continue to add to their turnover total when they return to action this weekend in a 2:30 p.m., contest, Saturday, at South Alabama in Mobile. The game can be seen via ESPN+, as well as heard on an affiliate of the Southern Miss Sports Network.
The Golden Eagles have forced multiple takeaways in seven contests in coach Charles Huff's first season. They have registered victories in each of those contests, enabling them to produce a 7-3 overall record as well as a 5-1 league mark. Their conference record shows them a game up in the Sun Belt Conference West Division with two remaining in the regular season.
As a team, Southern Miss's defense produced 25 turnovers, 20 interceptions and five fumbles, over the first 10 games while giving up just 12 on the year. That equates to a plus-1.30 turnover margin a game, which ranks first in the Sun Belt and only trails North Texas (1.40) and Indiana (1.36) in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Golden Eagles interception total ranks first nationally, while their total turnovers are No. 2 only behind SMU.
Fourteen different players have forced takeaways from the opposition this fall with Josh Moten leading the way with five interceptions – three of those coming at Arkansas State. His five picks rank him one of eight players nationally to lead the country in both total interceptions and picks per game.
Ian Foster is next on the list with four total forced turnovers, including three interceptions and one fumble recovery, with two of his picks having been returned for touchdowns which also is tops in the country.
Additionally, Ahmere Foster has registered three errant passes from the opposition, while both Anthony Richard, Jr., and Michael Montgomery have added two pass takeaways with nine other Golden Eagles having at least one takeaway.
Those turnovers have equated to 61 points for the Golden Eagles this season helping add to the team's 30.5 points scored per contest.
The Golden Eagles look to continue to add to their turnover total when they return to action this weekend in a 2:30 p.m., contest, Saturday, at South Alabama in Mobile. The game can be seen via ESPN+, as well as heard on an affiliate of the Southern Miss Sports Network.
Players Mentioned
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