Southern Miss football is in need of a return to a bowl game as they enter Year 4 of the Will Hall era. The team has only made one bowl game appearance in 2022 under Hall’s leadership, with two 3-9 seasons in between, resulting in a 13-24 record for the coach. The upcoming 2024 season presents an opportunity for Southern Miss to turn things around and make a push for a bowl game.
The 2024 schedule for Southern Miss is evenly balanced, with three four-game stretches separated by open weeks in Week 5 and Week 10. Each four-game window consists of two home games and two road games, providing the team with a fair mix of challenges throughout the season. The season kicks off with a game against Kentucky on August 31, setting the tone for what lies ahead.
There are four key games in the schedule that could determine Southern Miss‘ fate in terms of reaching a bowl game. The first important matchup is against South Florida on September 14. South Florida is a formidable opponent with a talented quarterback and a successful previous season, making this game a crucial test for Southern Miss early in the season.
Following the game against South Florida, Southern Miss faces Jacksonville State on September 21. Jacksonville State is a tough opponent with a strong home record, posing another challenge for Southern Miss. Winning either of these games could be crucial for Southern Miss‘ bowl aspirations, while losing both could complicate their path to a bowl game.
Another pivotal game in the schedule is against Marshall on November 9. This game comes after the second open week for Southern Miss and could be a make-or-break moment in their season. A win against Marshall would set the tone for the final stretch of the season and keep Southern Miss in contention for a bowl game.
The final game to watch is against South Alabama on November 23. South Alabama has a new coach and some changes to their roster, making it difficult to predict their performance. However, this game could be crucial for Southern Miss as it is their last home game before ending the regular season at Troy. Securing a bowl game before the Troy matchup would relieve pressure and allow Southern Miss to finish the season strong.
In conclusion, Southern Miss football is facing a critical season in 2024 as they aim to return to a bowl game. With a balanced schedule and key matchups throughout the season, the team has the opportunity to prove themselves and make a push for postseason play. The outcome of the highlighted games will play a significant role in determining Southern Miss‘ success in achieving their goal.