HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss football coach Blake Anderson addressed the media Monday, a day before the Golden Eagles’ season opener against Alcorn State. Southern Miss will celebrate its 110th season with a game against the Braves, who defeated Miles 56-7 last Saturday.
Anderson emphasized respect for Alcorn State, noting their dominant week-one performance. “They did everything you’re supposed to do. It wasn’t close at any point,” he said. “This is a team that is more than capable of beating us at home. We have to be ready and show respect for the opponent. Our practice has been really good.”
The coach also provided an update on the team’s quarterback situation. Anderson declined to name a starter, citing the ongoing competition and recent injury to Ethan Hampton. “It’s not ideal, but we’re handling it well,” he said. Hampton’s recovery from a bone bruise has been slower than expected, but he responded well in recent practices. Anderson explained that the injury has impacted the quarterback race, which was close before Hampton’s injury.
Regarding Alcorn State’s dual-threat quarterback, Anderson highlighted the importance of sound schematics and tackling. “Their legs are a problem, and we have to be completely sound defensively,” he said. “We need to be aware of where he is and get him on the ground when we can.”
Anderson also discussed his team’s evaluation of Alcorn State’s defense. He noted the Braves’ energy and versatility, running multiple schemes and playing with enthusiasm. “This game is about figuring out who we are,” he said. “We need to understand what our team is best at and focus on that.”
The coach touched on evolving offensive strategies, emphasizing the use of multiple formations and heavier RPO and deep-pass games. He said maintaining personnel versatility allows for creating defensive pressure and exploiting mismatches. Anderson also explained the complexities of pre- and post-snap decision-making in their offensive scheme, highlighting the importance of communication and execution for success.
