Southern Mississippi upset Houston, coached by Kevin Sumlin with quarterback Case Keenum, for the Conference USA championship two seasons ago. The Eagles, coached by Larry Fedora, then capped that 12-2 season with a victory over Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl. Then everything changed. Fedora went to North Carolina and since then the Eagles have not won a single game. Dubious owners of the longest losing streak in the country, Southern Mississippi has now lost 18 straight games. Eventually that streak will come to an end, but for now the program seems to need all of the support it can get.
Fortunately Southern Mississippi football players have to have a student body that is not turning their backs on them. While Alabama students may feel spoiled by the embarrassment of riches and success and leave games early, Southern Mississippi students rallied together to show their support for the football team at Thursday’s practice.
After a quick announcement from head coach Todd Monken, the team was greeted on the field by a chanting student body and soon surrounded for words of encouragement.
Southern Mississippi hosts North Texas this weekend for their annual homecoming game. North Texas will come in to the weekend having won two straight games, against Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Tech. Beating the Mean Green may not be easy for Southern Mississippi but this losing streak has to end at some point. Why not this weekend?