As the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns gear up for their Sun Belt Conference opener against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, all eyes will be on Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this Saturday. Set to be broadcast on ESPN+, this long-standing rivalry game promises to be a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons. With a record of 3-1, the Ragin’ Cajuns are aiming to carry the momentum from their recent victory against Wake Forest into the conference matchup. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles are eager to turn their 1-3 start around and get back on track.
Louisiana’s Road to Hattiesburg
The Ragin’ Cajuns have been impressive this season, coming off a thrilling 41-38 win at Wake Forest. This victory not only boosted the team’s confidence but also demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level against tough competition. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux has led his team to a 3-1 start, with the only blemish being a hard-fought loss to Tulane.
Louisiana’s offense, led by quarterback Ben Wooldridge, has been firing on all cylinders. Wooldridge, a redshirt senior, has already racked up over 1,000 passing yards this season, making him a key player in this matchup. His connection with wide receiver Lance LeGendre, who had a breakout game with 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Wake Forest, will be critical in breaking through the Southern Miss defense.
On the ground, the Ragin’ Cajuns have showcased their depth at running back. Both Zylan Perry and Bill Davis have stepped up in recent weeks, with Perry recording his first 100-yard game of the season and Davis coming close with 95 rushing yards at Wake Forest. This balanced offensive attack will need to be in top form against a Southern Miss defense that has shown vulnerabilities, especially in the run game.
Southern Miss Looks to Bounce Back
Southern Miss has faced its share of challenges this season, with a 1-3 record heading into this crucial conference opener. Their last outing, a 44-7 loss at Jacksonville State, highlighted some of their struggles on both sides of the ball. However, the Golden Eagles are not a team to be underestimated, especially at home.
The Golden Eagles’ defense, led by standout linebacker K.C. Ossai, will be looking to rebound from a rough performance. Ossai, who leads the team in tackles, will be tasked with containing Louisiana’s dynamic offense. Southern Miss has struggled to stop the run this season, allowing over 160 rushing yards per game, which could play into the hands of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ powerful rushing attack.
Offensively, Southern Miss has shown flashes of potential, but consistency has been an issue. Quarterback D’Wanye’ Winfield has the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, but the Golden Eagles will need to improve their passing efficiency to keep up with Louisiana’s high-scoring offense. Wide receiver Harvey Broussard has been a bright spot, and his ability to make big plays down the field could be a key factor in this game.
Key Matchups to Watch
One of the most intriguing aspects of this game will be the battle in the trenches. Louisiana’s offensive line, anchored by veterans like Landon Burton and AJ Gillie, will face off against Southern Miss’ defensive front, which has been led by defensive lineman Jordan Lawson. The Ragin’ Cajuns have done an excellent job of protecting Wooldridge and opening up running lanes for their backs, but the Golden Eagles’ defense will be looking to disrupt that rhythm.
Another key matchup will be Louisiana’s secondary against Southern Miss’ passing game. The Ragin’ Cajuns’ defense has been stingy against the pass, allowing just 149 yards per game through the air, which ranks them first in the Sun Belt and 13th nationally. This could spell trouble for Southern Miss, whose passing attack has been inconsistent. Louisiana’s defensive backs, including Tyrone Lewis and Keyon Martin, will be looking to shut down any big plays from the Golden Eagles.
The Stakes are High
For Louisiana, a win would not only give them a 4-1 record but also their first victory in a Sun Belt opener since 2021. It would snap an 11-game losing streak to Southern Miss, dating back to 1994. The Ragin’ Cajuns have not won in Hattiesburg since 1989, so this game represents a chance to rewrite history and continue their strong start to the season.
For Southern Miss, this game is about turning their season around. A victory against a strong Louisiana team would provide a much-needed confidence boost and could set the tone for the rest of their conference play. Despite their struggles, the Golden Eagles have the talent to compete, and they will be playing with a sense of urgency in front of their home crowd.
Prediction
Given their momentum and balance on both sides of the ball, Louisiana comes into this game as the favorite. However, Southern Miss will not go down without a fight, especially at home. If the Golden Eagles can limit mistakes and find a way to slow down Louisiana’s offense, they have a shot at pulling off an upset.
Final Prediction: Louisiana 34, Southern Miss 24
This Sun Belt showdown promises to be an exciting and hard-fought game. Both teams have a lot on the line, and the outcome could have significant implications for the rest of their seasons.
