Southern Miss Football Holds First Preseason Scrimmage in Heat

The University of Southern Mississippi football team held its first preseason scrimmage Saturday at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The 125-play session lasted just over two hours and took place in 126-degree heat, according to head coach Blake Anderson.

Anderson said the focus was on effort and discipline. “Our goals were pretty simple. It was to come ready to go today, and I thought they did,” he said. “It was really hot. We knew it was going to be hot, and we needed it to be hot. I really felt like for the day they tried to play hard.”

The scrimmage provided an initial assessment of a roster with 74 newcomers. Transfer quarterback Ethan Hampton was limited to the first series after hitting a helmet on a pass follow-through, sustaining a hand injury. Fellow quarterbacks Landry Lyddy and John White stepped up, with Lyddy connecting on big plays to Kaden Saunders, Steven Robinson, and Jeremiah Beck. White linked with Elijah Singleton for 65- and 49-yard passes, along with a notable gain to Mario Sanders.

Anderson praised the depth at receiver, noting that between seven and nine players could contribute, depending on health and rotation. He also highlighted strong defensive performances, including a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown by Laquan Robinson and a 35-yard pick-six by Tyler Lassiter, who also had a pass breakup.

Anderson announced that graduate offensive lineman Broderick Roman has retired due to medical reasons. The team will resume practice Monday after a day off and will prepare for the season opener against Alcorn State on Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. Tickets remain available at SouthernMiss.com/Tickets.

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