University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
2-2 , 1-0
Louisiana Tech
3-1 , 1-0
Southern Miss Falls at Louisiana Tech 30-20 Saturday Night
9/20/2025 10:53:00 PM | Football
RUSTON, La. — Southern Miss mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter but fell short in a 30-20 loss to Louisiana Tech on Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium.
The Golden Eagles (2-2) had a two-game winning streak snapped, while the Bulldogs improved to 3-1.
Quarterback Braylon Braxton led the Golden Eagles' offense with 392 passing yards and two touchdowns, including a 34-yard strike to Davis Dalton with just 22 seconds remaining on a tipped ball by Carl Chester.
Chester did haul in five catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, marking the second time this season a Golden Eagle registered a 100-yard receiving game in 2025.
Despite the late surge, Southern Miss was unable to overcome a sluggish first half that saw Louisiana Tech build a commanding 30-10 lead by halftime.
The Golden Eagles' defense tightened in the second half, holding Louisiana Tech scoreless over the final two quarters. Linebacker Chris Jones tallied a career-best 13 tackles while Michael Montgomery added his second-straight game of 13 stops, helping to stifle the Bulldogs' offense.
Southern Miss outgained Louisiana Tech 514-340 in total offense and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over 32 minutes. However, costly mistakes, including a second-quarter interception returned 48 yards for a touchdown by Louisiana Tech's Kolbe Fields, proved too much to overcome.
Louisiana Tech capitalized on its opportunities early, with Blake Baker and Omiri Wiggins each rushing for touchdowns. Eli Finley was the Bulldogs' top target, recording six catches for 155 yards, including a 73-yard reception that set up an early score.
Southern Miss kicker Reed Harradine contributed two field goals, including a 38-yarder in the first quarter, but missed a critical 37-yard attempt in the second quarter that could have shifted momentum. He added a 30-yard make early in the fourth period.
The Golden Eagles return home next week for their final non-conference tilt of the year when they play host to Jacksonville State in a 6 p.m., contest. Tickets for the game still remain and can be purchased by going to SouthernMiss.com/Tickets.
Team Stats
USM 0, LAT 7
LAT - Baker,Blake 1 yd run (Henderson,Drew kick), 2 plays, 74 yards, TOP 00:34
USM 7, LAT 7
USM - Heath,Kyirin 30 yd pass from Braxton,Braylon (Harradine,Reed kick) 4 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:28
USM 7, LAT 10
LAT - Henderson,Drew 24 yd field goal 9 plays, 69 yards, TOP 04:05
USM 10, LAT 10
USM - Harradine,Reed 38 yd field goal 10 plays, 55 yards, TOP 04:41
USM 10, LAT 17
LAT - Wiggins,Omiri 3 yd run (Henderson,Drew kick), 7 plays, 65 yards, TOP 02:43
USM 10, LAT 23
LAT - Fields,Kolbe 48 yd interception ()
USM 10, LAT 30
LAT - Thevenin,Clay 1 yd run (Henderson,Drew kick), 14 plays, 80 yards, TOP 06:05
USM 13, LAT 30
USM - Harradine,Reed 30 yd field goal 7 plays, 52 yards, TOP 01:58
USM 20, LAT 30
USM - Dalton,Davis 34 yd pass from Braxton,Braylon (Wilbanks,Creighton kick) 9 plays, 80 yards, TOP 01:28
