Southern Miss Generates Six Takeaways and Strengthen Grip on Sun Belt West in Win vs. Arkansas State

Jaylen Raynor and Arkansas State could not sustain a red-hot start against Southern Miss, falling 27-21.

Despite throwing five interceptions as a team and trailing 27-14 in the fourth quarter, the Red Wolves had an opportunity to win the game on the final play. Raynor’s effort fell into the hands of Southern Miss defensive back Ahmere Foster. The game was over.

“The defense gave us a chance to go down and win the game,” Raynor said. “I just have to give Tyler a chance, at least, to go make a play on the ball. It’s something I’ve got to learn and grow from.”

After fumbling the opening possession, Arkansas State’s defense was able to hold the Golden Eagles to a field goal. Raynor then completed all five of his passes on his team’s first possession, throwing for 74 yards and a touchdown in the process.

That was the best it would get for Raynor, who threw four interceptions in the game. Southern Miss combined to throw two interceptions of their own, but still managed to maintain a plus-four turnover margin.

After Arkansas State took a 7-3 lead, the Golden Eagles scored the next 17 points. Braylon Braxton briefly left the game with an injury and backup quarterback Landry Lyddy made the most of his guest appearance. He scored two touchdowns, with one coming on the ground and the other coming through the air.

The Golden Eagles aerial attack soared to new heights. Braxton and Lyddy combined for 356 yards passing. Both spun a touchdown, with Lyddy’s toss to Elijah Metcalf being the highlight. The two connected for a 76 yard score at the start of the second quarter on a one-play drive.

Arkansas State would not respond until the fourth quarter. Like Braxton, Raynor also left the game for a handful of plays. Backup quarter back Josh Flowers found Tyler Little in the end zone for a touchdown. Flowers did throw an interception before he connected with Little. Southern Miss defensive back Josh Moten hauled in an errant pass for his third interception of the game. It was the first-multi interception game as a Golden Eagle for Moten. It could not have come at a better time.

With Braxton back in the game, Southern Miss responded with a methodical drive. A steady stream of ten-yard gains brought the Golden Eagles deep into Arkansas State territory. Braxton capped the drive off with a 15-yard strike to Kyirin Heath to give his team a two-score advantage.

𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗢𝗣.@SouthernMissFB extends its lead when Braylon Braxton connects with Kyirin Heath for a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. ☀️🏈
pic.twitter.com/aAfdNGerbe

— Sun Belt Football (@SunBeltFB) November 8, 2025

Raynor and the Red Wolves scored with three minutes to go. He connected with Jaylen Bonelli from three yards out to bring Arkansas State within six. Raynor was shaken up after landing on his shoulder earlier, but felt it was important to come back in.

Jaylen to Jaylen for the Touchdown! Jaylen Raynor connects with Jaylen Bonelli for a 3-yard score and the lead is cut to 27-21 with 3:15 to go in the 4th.#WolvesUp🐺 I #PoundTheRock🪨🔨 pic.twitter.com/HvSA13Egco

— Arkansas State Football (@AStateFB) November 8, 2025

“We talk a lot about toughness in our program,” he said. “If they see me go down and just automatically count myself out, that’s not how a leader should lead.”

Arkansas State had one last chance to win the game. With four seconds to go, Raynor threw an interception.

With the win, Southern Miss extended their unbeaten Sun Belt run to five games. They lead the Sun Belt West and control their own destiny as they try to qualify for the conference championship game. It’s an unbelievable turnaround for a team that won one game last fall and failed to earn a single Sun Belt win.

The defense, which held walkthroughs before practice according to head coach Charles Huff, generated six turnovers. Coming into the game, Huff was concerned with simulating Raynor’s dual-threat ability in practice.

“If we went out there and played two-hand touch we’d be okay,” he said during his mid-week press conference. “When you’ve got to get on the ground – that’s the tough part.”

Southern Miss didn’t need to bring Raynor to the ground. Instead, they poached four of his passes out of the air. Had they not generated those turnovers, the game might have ended differently. Instead, Southern Miss appears poised to represent the West in just under a month’s time.