Game one of the Blake Anderson era in Hattiesburg ended with a win as Southern Miss routed Alcorn State 49-3.
Defensive back Kobi Albert helped Southern Miss (1-0) have ample scoring opportunities with three interceptions in their season opener at Renasant Stadium. Alcorn State (1-1) quarterback Jaylon Tolbert completed 15 of 22 pass for 119 yards but four interceptions – a huge reversal from his dominant performance against Miles a week earlier.
The Braves were the first on the board, capitalizing on an interception thrown by Ethan Hampton, a Northern Illinois transfer quarterback who was named the Southern Miss starter on Friday night. However, the Golden Eagles wasted no time to respond, scoring on the very next drive with a two-yard touchdown run by running back Steven Robinson. From there, it was all Southern Miss on the scoreboard.
Southern Miss split time between two running backs on Saturday before bringing in the reserve team in the fourth quarter. Robinson finished the game with 123 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. He became the first Southern Miss running back with three touchdowns in a game since 2020. Jamarice Wilder had 90 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Hampton went 13 of 23 with 180 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his first start with the Golden Eagles. Hampton’s touchdown came on a run-pass-option for 38 yards to Mario Sanders at the beginning of the second quarter. Sanders had six receptions for 94 yards.
Alcorn State struggled all game, only amassing 223 yards and 11 first downs while also turning the ball over five times.
Southern Miss finished with 543 yards and 32 first downs with only one turnover coming in the first quarter.
Southern Miss will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Auburn, while Alcorn State will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff that same day.
