Southern Miss plays its biggest game of the year on Thursday against the James Madison Dukes.
In a bit of a role reversal, the formerly 7-0 Dukes (7-2, 4-2 Sun Belt) have dropped two games in a row, while the Golden Eagles (3-5, 2-2 Sun Belt), who had lost five straight, are now on a two-game winning streak. The formerly-ranked James Madison squad will arrive in Hattiesburg with a chip on their shoulder after two straight overtime losses, especially after starting perfect through the halfway point of the season.
Blake Anderson’s group will have to play their most consistent football yet if they want any chance to put the Dukes’ playoff hopes in the ground for good and continue their upward trajectory toward a six-win mark and a bowl game berth.
Here’s what else to know about the matchup, including how to watch it on TV.
Kickoff time for Southern Miss-James Madison
Southern Miss and James Madison will kick off inside Renasant Stadium in Hattiesburg on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. CT.
How to watch Southern Miss-James Madison
Southern Miss and James Madison will air live on ESPN2.
Southern Miss-James Madison quick shots
— This will be the second all-time meeting between Southern Miss and James Madison. The Dukes won the lone matchup between the two teams in 2024 by a score of 32-15.
— For this year’s game, James Madison opened as a 13.5-point favorite. Southern Miss is 4-4 against the spread in 2026, while James Madison is 6-3.
— Both coaches in this matchup are in their first year leading their respective programs. Blake Anderson is 3-5 so far as the Golden Eagles’ front man and won his first career away game as head coach on Saturday.
— James Madison coach Billy Napier is 7-2 so far in his first season leading the Dukes after starting 7-0 before suffering two straight losses. Both of Napier’s losses at James Madison so far have come in overtime.
— Napier notably coached in the SEC for three and a half seasons as the head coach of the Florida Gators before being fired in October 2025 after starting 3-4. During his tenure in Gainesville, Napier went 22-23 and earned himself a $21.2 million buyout.
— Since starting quarterback Ethan Hampton’s injury against UConn, Landry Lyddy has been solid for the Golden Eagles as his replacement. During his five-and-a-half games as the starter, Lyddy has completed 110 of 192 passes for 1,255 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
— Southern Miss is averaging 379 yards on offense (58th in FBS) and allowing 462.3 yards per game on defense (132nd).
— James Madison is averaging 433.8 yards on offense (22nd in FBS) and allowing 370.8 yards per game on defense (66th).
— Stat leaders for Southern Miss include running back Steven Robinson (728 yards on 142 carries, 9 TD) and wide receiver Mario Sanders (600 yards on 44 catches, 5 TD).
— Stat leaders for James Madison include quarterback Camden Coleman (1,742 yards, 16 TD, 4 INT), running back George Pettaway (824 yards on 124 carries, 8 TD), and wide receiver Corey Scott (386 yards on 27 catches, 5 TD).
