Why Blake Anderson said Southern Miss football's season starts now

Southern Miss football kicked off its 2026 season with back-to-back games against opponents of varying challenges. The team started strong with a decisive 49-3 victory over FCS side Alcorn State, who started the year similarly by defeating FCS Lafayette 56-7. However, the Golden Eagles faced adversity a week later, losing 43-8 to 32.5-point underdog Auburn. Now, with an upcoming matchup against UConn (1-1) on September 19, the team is prepared to face a more evenly matched opponent.

Coach Blake Anderson emphasized that the true season began with these early games, acknowledging both their successes and shortcomings. He stressed that every subsequent game could determine their trajectory, with consistency and execution being key. UConn, who also started their season with an FCS opponent, could provide valuable insights as Anderson pointed out similarities in their early experiences.

The Golden Eagles are eager to learn from these first two weeks, hoping to capitalize on their newfound confidence while addressing the mistakes made in the past. With the UConn game marking the transition to Sun Belt Conference matchups, the team aims to apply the lessons learned and navigate the season with a balanced perspective.