HATTIESBURG, Miss. — On a late September night in 1990, Southern Miss defeated Louisville 25-13 at M.M. Roberts Stadium, in front of an attendance of 20,545. The Golden Eagles surged early, taking a 22-0 lead within the first 5 minutes and 51 seconds of the game.
The game began with Southern Miss stopping Louisville on its opening drive. Tony Smith then returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion, giving the Eagles an 8-0 lead. The Golden Eagles continued their momentum when running back Roland Johnson sprinted 47 yards on the second offensive play for a touchdown, extending the lead to 15-0.
The defense contributed to the early dominance as well. On Louisville’s third possession, Southern Miss recovered a fumble and Kerry Valrie returned it 42 yards for a score, making it 22-0. The Eagles added a 34-yard field goal by Jim Taylor in the third quarter. Louisville scored two late touchdowns but could not overcome the early deficit, and the game ended with Southern Miss ahead.
Despite outgaining Louisville 347 yards to 142, Southern Miss maintained the lead. Louisville coach Howard Schnellenberger remarked after the game that the early three-play sequence was unusual and contributed to the loss. Louisville had started the season with a 10-10 tie against San Jose State and finished 10-1-1, winning the Fiesta Bowl against Alabama.
Southern Miss coach Curley Hallman called the game exciting, praising the team’s big plays and the crowd’s enthusiasm. The Golden Eagles, led by quarterback Brett Favre, finished the season 8-4, losing to North Carolina State in the All American Bowl in Birmingham.
