On Saturday, it’s Southern Miss vs Tulane in the Battle for the Bell in the Big Easy. This game is a continuation of a rivalry that dates back to 1979, the first-ever meeting between the schools. As a result, there have been some great games between the Golden Eagles and the Green Wave over the years.
Southern Miss vs Tulane
1997: Southern Miss 34 – Tulane 17, (in Hattiesburg)
The ’97 Golden Eagles were the Conference USA champions (6-0). The defense was truly a “Nasty Bunch” of dudes, allowing just 17 points per game. Led by Patrick Surtain, Adalius Thomas, and Lytrell Pollard, Southern Miss put pressure on Tulane QB Shaun King all day.
They intercepted King three times (two by Surtain) and won in convincing fashion. Later, they earned a Liberty Bowl berth and finished the season 9-3.
In 1998, Tulane went undefeated 12-0 under 2nd-year head coach Tommy Bowden and OC Rich Rodriguez.
2010: Southern Miss 46 – Tulane 30 (in New Orleans)
This game was tied 30-30 in the 3rd quarter. Then Southern Miss pulled away in the final period, outscoring Tulane 16-0 to get the victory.
QB Austin Davis threw for 102 yards and a touchdown on the day. In addition, the Golden Eagles rushed for 230 yards to put the game away. RB Kendrick Hardy and RB Tracy Lampley each rushed for a touchdown, with Lampley’s going for 60-yards. Lampley only carried twice in the game for 65-yards total. Hardy carried 14 times for 63 yards.
WR Jonathan Massey and Johdrick Morris both caught TD passes, with Morris’s coming on a little trickeration in the form of a half-back pass from Quentin Pierce.
K Danny Hrapmann converted three field goals of 33-yards, 49-yards, and 34-yards.
The Nasty Bunch defense once again came to play, as they forced and recovered two Green Wave fumbles. Codarro Law made four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, forced a fumble, and pressured Green Wave QB Ryan Griffin four times, sacking him once. Jamie Collins recorded nine tackles.
Southern Miss finished the 2010 season at 8-5.
Golden Eagles and the Green Wave-2022
Southern Miss
The Golden Eagles (1-2) are coming off a much-needed win, 64-10 over Northwestern State. In that game, QB Ty Keyes was back from injury and did not disappoint. He completed 6 of 9 passes for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns and zero INTs. In addition, Keyes rushed for a score.
In addition, QB Zach Wilcke also saw action against Northwestern State. He threw for 102 yards and a touchdown.
RB Frank Gore, Jr. carried seven times for 82 yards and a score. WR Jakarius Caston caught six passes for 94 yards and found the end zone twice. K Briggs Bourgeois converted two field goals.
The Golden Eagles’ defense has played well so far this season. They are ranked nationally in the following defensive categories:
- Tied for 10th in the FBS in sacks with 10 (2nd in the Sun Belt).
- #4 in FBS in tackles for loss with 29 (lead the Sun Belt).
- Tied for 12th in the FBS in INTs with five (tied for 2nd in the Sun Belt).
Tulane
Through three games, Tulane (3-0) has outscored their opponents 111-20, including a 17-10 victory on the road against Kansas State.
The Green Wave averages 37 points per game on offense and has allowed just a touchdown per game on defense. Nationally, Tulane ranks in the following defensive categories:
- #6 in Total Defense (220 yards/game).
- #1 in Pass Defense (72 yards/game).
- #6 Scoring Defense (6 points/game).
- Ties for 14th in Opponents 3rd Down Conversion Pct (25%).
But Tulane is lacking in defending against the run. They allow 148 yards rushing per game against them. For example, they allowed 200 yards rushing in week one vs UMASS. In addition, they gave up 186 yards on the ground last week vs Kansas State.
Southern Miss owns a 23-9 record in the series since the late ’70s. Between 2003 and 2010, the Golden Eagles won six in a row against Tulane.
On Saturday, Tulane is favored by -13 points. With both teams fielding really good defenses, it could be a game of field position and the difference in the game might come down to special teams. However, if Southern Miss has paid attention to Tulane’s game film, they could give the Green Wave a heavy dose of Frank Gore early and often.
Will Southern Miss be on the right side of this rivalry’s history? We shall see.
Thanks for reading.
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