Two programs with plenty to prove meet Saturday when Southern Miss hosts Jackson State at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
For Southern Miss, it’s the second act of the Charles Huff era, a chance to build momentum after battling Mississippi State in Week 1. For Jackson State, it’s an opportunity to test its 11-game winning streak, against an FBS opponent on the road.
“They’re on an 11-game win streak,” Huff said. “That’s definitely a winning culture, which creates a lot of confidence. That’s something that we’re trying to create here. Winning cures a lot, and they’ve done a really good job of it.”
Jackson State Preview
The Tigers return to Hattiesburg for the first time since 2018 riding plenty of momentum. After winning the HBCU national championship a year ago, Jackson State carries its streak into one of the program’s biggest challenges in years.
The Tigers are led by third-year head coach T.C. Taylor, a former JSU quarterback and record-setting wide receiver. In just two seasons, Taylor has delivered a 19-6 record, a Cricket Celebration Bowl victory over South Carolina State, and the 2024 HBCU national title. His teams have consistently ranked among the best in the nation statistically, finishing top 10 in categories such as red zone offense, scoring offense and scoring defense, while producing numerous all-conference and All-America honorees.
JSU opened 2025 with a 28-14 win over Hampton, powered by a dominant rushing attack. Running back Ahmad Miller exploded for 172 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the blend of vision and downhill power that has made him one of the most dynamic backs in the FCS. Miller remains the focal point of the Tigers’ offense heading into Hattiesburg.
Quarterback JaCobian Morgan managed the game efficiently, completing 15 passes for 147 yards without a turnover. His receiving corps includes Joanes Fortilien (five catches, 43 yards), Nate Rembert (four for 31) and Ja’Naylon Dupree (three for 41). Perhaps the most encouraging development was the return of Jency Riley Jr., who caught two passes for 21 yards in his first action back from a season-ending injury last year.
Defensively, Jackson State has thrived during its streak by swarming to the ball and forcing mistakes. The Tigers lean on athleticism in the secondary and a disruptive front seven, though their depth will be tested against a larger FBS offensive line.
Southern Miss Looking to End Losing Streak
Southern Miss has not won a game since Sept. 7, 2024, when it defeated Southeastern Louisiana 35-10. The Eagles showed progress in last week’s 34-17 loss to Mississippi State but know there is plenty of work left to do.
“There were some positives from last week’s game,” Huff said. “But there were definitely things we’ve got to get corrected — and corrected fast — in order to continue to move forward in the manner we want to.”
The opener against the Bulldogs was always about measuring progress rather than the scoreboard, but Saturday’s matchup provides a test Southern Miss cannot afford to squander. The Eagles have lost 11 straight, and with Sun Belt play looming, this game represents a crucial chance to reset.
The offensive line remains a concern. Right guard Aloali’i Maui and center Broderick Roman played all 77 snaps against Mississippi State. Left tackle Greg Nunnery played 44 snaps, while right tackle Hayes Creel played 54, exposing depth issues that will need addressing as the season unfolds.
“I think we’re going to have a lot of depth at the O and D lines,” Huff said. “And when I say a lot of depth, I’m not talking 20 guys. But if you can roll nine, 10 or 11 guys in at D-line, that makes a difference. Not all of them will play the same amount of snaps, but it allows us to stay fresh.”
Huff also stressed the need to establish the run against Jackson State. Southern Miss struggled on the ground against Mississippi State’s SEC front, but Huff believes the Eagles can make strides this week.
“There are still things we need to clean up, even in the basic stuff we were trying to do,” Huff said. “That will give us a better chance to be more effective running the ball. The area where we were least effective was short yardage, and that had a lot to do with good defense and some fundamental issues on our part. But all of those are controllable, and I think we’ll see more of the running game as the season goes on.”
Prediction
Jackson State enters as the hotter team, brimming with confidence and playing with no pressure. Miller’s ability to keep the Tigers on schedule will matter early, and the defense has enough playmakers to frustrate a Southern Miss offense still finding its rhythm.
But over four quarters, depth and size tend to tilt in favor of the FBS program. Huff has emphasized physicality in the trenches, and this could be the week his new roster shows tangible progress. Expect quarterback Braylon Braxton to connect on a few explosive plays while the defense gradually contains Miller as the game wears on.
Jackson State should hang around early, but Southern Miss has the advantage to pull away in the second half and finally snap its losing streak.
Prediction: Southern Miss 38, Jackson State 10.
