SAN MARCOS, Texas – In a clash of contrasting styles, Texas State (3-6) will face off against Southern Miss (7-2) on Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Both teams are looking to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses as they head into this matchup.
Southern Miss boasts a solid offense, averaging 412 yards per game, which ranks 48th in the FBS. Their passing game, led by quarterback Braylon Braxton, is particularly strong, averaging 258.2 yards per game, placing them 37th nationally. Braxton has thrown for 2,186 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 67.3% of his passes. The rushing attack is spearheaded by Jeffery Pittman, who has accumulated 494 yards on 113 carries with six touchdowns. Elijah Metcalf leads the receiving corps with 425 yards on 30 catches and one touchdown.
Defensively, Southern Miss allows 389.1 yards per game, ranking 92nd in the FBS. They have struggled against the run, giving up 162.7 yards per game, which ranks 94th. However, their red zone defense is a bright spot, as they rank 19th in the FBS, allowing opponents to score on just 76.5% of red zone trips. Southern Miss also excels in turnover margin, leading the nation with a +16 margin.
Texas State, on the other hand, features a high-powered offense that ranks 11th in the FBS with 477.2 yards per game. Quarterback Brad Jackson has been a standout performer, passing for 2,376 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 69.2% of his passes. The rushing attack is led by Lincoln Pare, who has rushed for 737 yards on 140 carries with 10 touchdowns. Beau Sparks is the top receiver, amassing 927 yards on 61 catches with seven touchdowns.
Defensively, Texas State has struggled, allowing 414.3 yards per game, which ranks 115th in the FBS. They have been particularly vulnerable against the pass, giving up 239 yards per game, ranking 98th. Their scoring defense is a concern, as they allow 34.8 points per game, ranking 130th nationally. Additionally, Texas State has a -8 turnover margin, placing them 122nd in the FBS.
In their last outings, Southern Miss secured a 27-21 victory over Arkansas State on Nov. 8, with Braxton throwing for 228 yards and a touchdown. Texas State fell to Louisiana 42-39 on the same day, despite Jackson’s impressive 360-yard, three-touchdown performance.
Looking ahead, Southern Miss will travel to South Alabama on Nov. 22, while Texas State will host Louisiana-Monroe on the same date. Both teams will aim to build momentum as they approach the final stretch of the season.
