The USM defense was strong for another Saturday as the Golden Eagles fell 44-28

HATTIESBURG Miss. (WDAM) – For another week, the University of Southern Mississippi managed to stay within striking distance of a Sun Belt Conference football opponent, but its chances of winning faded in the final stages of the game.

The Golden Eagles trailed Arkansas State University by a touchdown with nine minutes to play in the third quarter, only to see the Red Wolves squander the homecoming Saturday night by beating USM 20-7 down the stretch in a 44-44. 28 decision topped MM Roberts Stadium.

USM (1-6, 0-3 Sun Belt) lost its fifth straight game and started the football season 1-6 for the second straight year and third time in four years.

ASU (4-3, 2-1) bounced back from a lopsided loss to Texas State University last week to gain nearly 470 yards on offense against the Golden Eagles.

USM's defense allowed an opponent to score 40 points for the third time in seven games and gave up at least 30 points for the fifth time this season.

The Golden Eagles scored a season-high four touchdowns on the ground, with quarterback Ethan Crawford scoring on two short touchdown runs.

Crawford led the Golden Eagles with 85 yards rushing on 25 carries. He also completed 15 of 23 passes for 187 yards with one interception.

USM managed 367 total yards on offense, but ASU had 11 tackles for a loss, including six sacks.

The Golden Eagles have just four touchdown passes this season, none of which have come in the last four games. USM has yet to throw a scoring pass in Sun Belt play.

ASU quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 20 of 31 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Ja'Quez Cross led the Red Wolves on the ground with 127 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

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