Week 3 of the 2025 regular season features a compelling Sun Belt conference game between the Appalachian State Mountaineers and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. The game will take place at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, MS, with a 7:00 PM kickoff on ESPN+. With Appalachian State coming in with an unbeaten 2-0 record and Southern Miss at 1-1, both teams are eager to continue building momentum early in the season. Appalachian State has shown strong form, starting their season with victories against Lindenwood and Charlotte. Their offensive strength was on display in their last game, racking up 294 passing yards and 216 rushing yards against Lindenwood. The Mountaineers have yet to play a conference game, making this encounter crucial for establishing their position within the Sun Belt. Southern Miss, playing at home, will look to leverage their familiar surroundings after a win against Jackson State and a loss to Mississippi State. The Golden Eagles’ recent victory over Jackson State showcased their ability to outpace opponents with 224 passing yards and 139 rushing yards. Facing Appalachian State, they will aim to enhance their 1-1 home record as they seek their first conference win of the season.
Southern Miss vs Appalachian State At a Glance
- Game Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Venue: M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Appalachian State Record: 2-0 this season
- Southern Miss Record: 1-1 this season
- Moneyline Odds: Appalachian State -114, Southern Miss -106
Southern Miss Golden Eagles: Prepping for the Next Challenge
Team Overview
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have demonstrated a solid start to their 2025 campaign with a 1-1 record. They secured a win over Jackson State with a 38-20 scoreline, showing strength on their home turf at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
Their performance against Mississippi State, however, saw them fall short, with a 34-17 loss. This game highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for future contests.
Offensive Dynamics
Southern Miss ranks 38th in points for, having accumulated 55 points so far this season. Their passing game, led by Braylon Braxton, has produced 423 yards, placing them 69th in the rankings.
While their rushing attack ranks 88th with 243 yards, Jeffery Pittman has been a key contributor, amassing 87 rushing yards. The team has also excelled in securing first downs, ranking 21st with 43 first downs.
Defensive Outlook
The Golden Eagles’ defense has been robust, allowing only 54 points, ranking 44th in the nation. Their defensive line has been effective, notching 4 sacks, placing them 7th in that category.
Interceptions have been a strong point for Southern Miss, with 3 interceptions to date, ranking them 4th. However, the team will look to improve on fumble recoveries, with none so far this season.
Key Players
Quarterback Braylon Braxton has been pivotal, passing for 413 yards and 5 touchdowns, ranking 70th and 20th respectively. Wide receiver Carl Chester leads the team with 8 receptions, contributing 92 receiving yards.
On special teams, kicker Reed Harradine has been reliable, converting 2 field goals and 7 extra points. His performance is crucial as the Golden Eagles aim to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Upcoming Challenges
Southern Miss looks ahead to their upcoming game against Appalachian State at home, followed by an away game against Louisiana Tech. These games will be vital in shaping their season trajectory.
With the Golden Eagles’ offense and defense showing potential, these matchups will be a true test of their abilities and readiness for conference play.
Southern Miss Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU After a Win: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS After a Win: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U After a Win: 0-1 (0.0%)
Appalachian State Mountaineers: A Look at the Away Game Performance
Offensive Strategy
The Appalachian State Mountaineers have been making waves with their strong offensive capabilities. Currently ranked 11th in passing yards with 698, their air attack is a significant part of their game plan. This focus has led to them achieving 52 first downs, placing them 12th overall.
While their passing game shines, their rushing attack has been steady, with 398 rushing yards ranking them 41st. Balancing both passing and rushing, the Mountaineers have scored 54 points this season, placing them 39th in points for.
Defensive Strengths
On the defensive side, Appalachian State has been effective at limiting opponents, allowing only 24 points and ranking 16th in points against. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident, with eight sacks placing them 3rd. Additionally, their secondary is a force with three interceptions, securing the 4th spot in that category.
The Mountaineers’ defense is also opportunistic when it comes to turnovers, having recovered one fumble, ranking 5th. These defensive efforts have been pivotal in securing their wins this season.
Quarterback Leadership
AJ Swann has been pivotal for Appalachian State’s offensive success. With 662 passing yards, he is ranked 9th, showcasing his ability to lead the team through the air. Swann’s five passing touchdowns place him 20th, emphasizing his effectiveness in the red zone.
Swann’s decision-making is evident with only one interception thrown, tying him for 1st in minimal turnovers. His leadership is vital for the Mountaineers’ offensive strategy.
Key Players to Watch
Rashod Dubinion has been the standout in the rushing department with 305 yards, ranking 2nd. His ability to gain significant yardage on the ground is critical for maintaining a balanced offense.
In the receiving corps, Jaden Barnes has been a key target with 205 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His performance has been a crucial component of the Mountaineers’ passing game.
Betting Trends
- Appalachian State has covered the spread in their last two away games.
- The total has gone under in 4 of Appalachian State’s last 5 games on the road.
- Appalachian State is 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as an away underdog.
Southern Miss vs Appalachian State Prediction: Appalachian State -1.5
Appalachian State enters Week 3 with a strong start to the season, holding a 2-0 record. Their offensive firepower, ranked 11th in passing yards, suggests that they can exploit Southern Miss’s defense. Additionally, their defensive unit has been impressive, ranking 16th in points against.
Southern Miss, at 1-1, has shown inconsistency, particularly when playing as an underdog. Their offensive stats in rushing yards rank them 88th, which could be problematic against Appalachian State’s third-ranked sack defense. The home advantage may not be enough to bridge this gap.
The current spread favors Appalachian State by 1.5 points, and given their well-rounded performance in both offense and defense, they are positioned well to cover this spread. Historically, Appalachian State has managed to secure wins against Southern Miss, adding confidence to this pick.
Looking at both teams’ performances so far, Appalachian State seems equipped to edge out Southern Miss. A projected final score of Appalachian State 35 – Southern Miss 27 aligns with the spread, reinforcing the choice to back Appalachian State at -1.5.
- Southern Miss vs Appalachian State Prediction: Appalachian State -1.5
- Southern Miss vs Appalachian State Score: Appalachian State 35 – Southern Miss 27
