The Student Printz: November 11, 2020

SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927 • WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM • NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | VOLUME 106 | ISSUE 14

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PG 3

‘CONFETTI’ REVIEW PG 6

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PG 7

Ms. Gloria retires from The Fresh Company after 29 years

BRIAN WINTERS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Ms. Gloria as the Grand Marshal during the 2018 homecoming parade.

Courtesy photo from Eagle Dining

tudents who walk into The Fresh on a Friday might hear a certain server yell “It’s Friday!” and be asked how they are percolating. This server is named Gloria Peterson, known by the Southern Miss community as Ms. Gloria.

On Nov. 4, Eagle Dining announced through a Facebook

post that Peterson is retiring on Nov. 13 after almost 29 years of service. To celebrate Peterson’s impact on the Southern Miss community, a celebration in her honor will be held from Nov. 9 to Nov. 13.

Peterson said there are many memories that stand out to her during her time at Southern Miss.

“The first time I said ‘How you

percolatin’?’, I got an E4, it was awesome and it put me up in the [job] status level,” Peterson said.

“And I liked it when they made me Grand Marshal -- all of it, all of it.”

Peterson was surprised by the SGA on Oct. 5, 2018 to become the 2018 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. Peterson was in charge of leading the homecoming parade through Hardy Street

and through campus, as well as choosing the winning parade float.

To this day, Peterson said she still can’t believe she was made Grand Marshal.

“I couldn’t believe it, I’m a nobody. I’m just a vessel that God used,” Peterson said. “And then

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NEWS MEET THE STAFF Executive Editor

Brian Winters brian.s.winters@usm.edu

News & Features Editor Mary Murphy mary.s.murphy@usm.edu

Entertainment/Opinion Editor Meg Fuller meghan.fuller@usm.edu

Sports Editor

Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu

Photography Editor

Meg Fuller meghan.fuller@usm.edu

Multimedia Editor

Blair Ballou blair.ballou@usm.edu

Social Media Editor

Bethany Morris bethany.morris@usm.edu

Design Editor

Marissa Haas marissa.haas@usm.edu

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

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Southern Miss releases procedures for game day events CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPROTS EDITOR n Aug. 25, the Southern Miss Department of Athletics announced special game day procedures for the 2020 football season. The procedures address various safety concerns of COVID-19 and reflect new guidelines put in place from Gov. Tate Reeves’ recent executive order on college football.

Fans should expect these conditions at Southern Miss football home games this year: -There will be a 25% seating capacity at M.M. Roberts Stadium, or approximately 9,000-

The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submission must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.

Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

Courtesy of Moffitt Health Center

10,000 fans, allowed into the stadium each game.

-Individual tickets are currently not available for sale.

Fans are encouraged to buy season tickets to attend games.

Season tickets are also limited due to attendance restrictions.

-There are 1,000 tickets available for students to sit in the student section.

-Fans in attendance will be required to wear face coverings at entry and at all times in the stadium. Face coverings will be recommended while seated too.

-Fans who do not live in the same household will be required to socially distance from each other by at least six feet.

-All tailgating and social gatherings on campus will be prohibited before games.

-There will be a limit on cash transactions at concession stands. Cashless payment will be accepted and encouraged.

-Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the stadium. There will be signage and floor decals to encourage proper social distancing in waiting zones.

These procedures will apply for the seven home games at M.M. Roberts Stadium this year. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles will begin the season at home on Sep. 3 versus the University of South Alabama.

To read more information about game-days and to stay updated on the football season, visit www.southernmiss.com.

NEWS

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

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Southern Miss offers an environmentally friendly construction certificate JENNIFER SHIELDS PRINTZ REPORTER nvironmental issues have been a huge problem for decades.

It is important to learn how to be more sustainable in various aspects of our lives, especially in our world of climate change. For students whose majors fall within the School of Construction and Design this may mean becoming a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) Green Associate.

The LEED Program, created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), is designed to create a set of international guidelines for others to build green buildings around. After spending a few months in an officially credited LEED program, a LEED Green Associate is able to build or modify buildings to better fit these environmentally friendly guidelines.

As the official USGBC website explains, “The LEED Green Associate credential designates individuals who have a documented, up-to-date understanding of the most current green building principles and practices. The LEED Green Associate is a foundational credential and for many it is the first step before earning advanced credentials such as the LEED AP with specialty.”

Naturally, there are many benefits to receiving a LEED Associate certification.

“For no other reason than to have people

Photo courtesy of LEED Green Association

have education about the importance of greenhouse gases [and] sustainability… [of] course I think it’ll be good to put on their resume when they go look for a job,” said Professor Leffi Cewe-Malloy, an LEED Accredited Professional and the Architectural Engineering Technology Program Coordinator.

Southern Miss hosts its own student chapter of the USGBC. The President of this chapter, Claude Schaller, became a LEED Associate his freshman year. Schaller explained the Southern Miss LEED chapter’s mission, as well as the importance of a LEED certification.

“The main point of the club is to just get construction kids to realize that green building is a thing cause we don’t have any classes about it in our program,” said Schaller. “USGBC can be the first step to

them [students in the School of Construction and Design] getting into sustainability, getting into green building.”

Any student can take the LEED Green Associate exam. The exam itself consists of 100 multiple choice questions, and, depending on your USGBC membership and schooling status, can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. The Southern Miss LEED chapter helps with exam prep and further informs people about the program.

“We’ve been able to get a person certified in LEED every year [since] the club has been a thing,” Schaller said.

However, students outside the School of Construction and Design can also receive a different type of Green certification.

Licensure majors can also receive a LEED certification through the Green Classroom Professional program.

According to the USGBC’s website, “The Green Classroom Professional certificate provides foundational knowledge of green building and the LEED green building rating system in the context of a school setting.”

The certification gives preference to teachers and faculty in K-12 schools, but it is open to anyone interested in new sustainability practices. It also provides a brief and condensed version of the material for the LEED Green Associate, which can be further expanded upon if someone wants to obtain a full certification.

Whether you become certified as LEED Green Associate or as a Green Classroom Professional, learning more about eco-friendly practices can be beneficial in the workforce, at home and the community.

FEATURES CONT. FROM PG 1 for them -- I’m not a teacher, I’m not a principal, I’m not a student with scholarships, I’m a person that works in a cafeteria -- for these students to think that highly of me and for the school to say it’s okay to have a cafeteria worker to be a Grand Marshal, I’ll never forget it.”

Peterson said she still has the white suit she wore that day and took the ribbon, folded it up and put it in a plastic bag. She said she will never forget being Grand Marshal and so much more.

Peterson said she would never forget the faces that have passed through The Fresh.

“I have been to the doctor’s office and the nurses, the receptionists say, ‘Ms. Gloria, you still at [the school]?’” Peterson said.

Peterson said it is funny when a new student comes into The Fresh and does not know how to react to her. Sometimes, the new student looks at her like she is crazy or like something is wrong with her.

“I [ask] is this your first year here [and they say] ‘Yes ma’am’

Courtesy photo from Eagle Dining

NOVBEMBER 11, 2020 [and] I say they’ll get to know me then,” Peterson laughed. “It’s a joy because I miss so many students, of different races and all kinds, and I think I’ve only had one bad experience with one.”

Peterson said she would never do anything to hurt anyone, especially because of an experience her daughter had while she was away at college. Peterson said her daughter called her one day crying and said the cafeteria ladies were mean. So, Peterson told her daughter to smile and go on anyways.

“That’s all you can do -- a smile never hurt anyone. Saying hello, good morning or have a good day are the easiest words you can come by,” Peterson said. “If you love yourself, the children and God, all the love in you will come out.”

Peterson said she did not think she would be at Southern Miss for 29 years. She explained that, when she first worked for Southern Miss, she was in a bad spot.

“I was really low and on the verge of suicide, [but] I went to church and the preacher said God is going to give you something,” Peterson said. “[The preacher] said it would

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be a little something, but I woke up that Monday morning and said ‘How you percolatin’ and that was that little something. That little word went a long way.”

Peterson said she never thought the word would put a smile on someone’s face or that it would change her the way it has. She’s loved all the students who’ve come through The Fresh and tells them so whenever she can.

“I love y’all, [but] I have to go,” Peterson said. “Don’t think this was an easy decision to make, because it wasn’t.”

Peterson said that, while she is leaving, she still plans to come to the Southern Miss campus during special events.

“I don’t know for how long, but I’m not going to work,” Peterson said. “I will still come out here and holler at these children, especially on graduation day.”

Attending graduation is extremely important for Peterson, as she said it is like watching her own children graduate. This is only one testament of her love for Southern Miss, and Peterson said that she’ll miss having fun with the

students and her coworkers once she retires.

Lauren Brescher, the marketing director for Aramark, said everyone is welcome to eat at The Fresh even if they do not have a meal plan.

Brescher said students can pay $6 on Friday so they can go through the line with Peterson one last time.

“It is just amazing to see her interaction with students,” Brescher said. “I have been here for [six] years, so over the time I have gotten random messages from students who have come and gone, who are international students.”

Brescher said the international students will ask her to pass a goodbye message to Peterson after they have gone back home. She thinks Peterson helps brighten her coworkers days with the way she acts, and will miss her once she’s gone.

“It’s going to be a hard week,” Peterson said.

Peterson’s last day is Friday, Nov. 3. Students are encouraged to stop by and talk to Peterson and leave a note or message for her.

NEWS

NOVEMBER 11, 2020 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Moffitt Health responds to claims of COVID negligence

Brian Winters | Printz

MEG FULLER ENTERTAINMENT/OPINION EDITOR ith COVID-19 still rampant around the county, many students are looking to Moffitt Health Center for direction and testing throughout the pandemic.

However, some are less than thrilled with their results.

Moffitt Health Center, the on-campus medical center for The University of Southern Mississippi, has been testing students for COVID-19 since the outbreak first began. They provide PCR and rapid antigen tests, encouraging students to schedule appointments. Moffitt has also been heavily involved with on-campus PSAs about COVID-19, explaining the importance of social distancing and quarantine to prevent its spread.

However, some students have complained about miscommunication or confusion on Moffitt’s part. While some students claim Moffitt helped them manage COVID-19, others are not as pleased.

Quinn Gordon, a senior marketing

major, was told to quarantine for ten days after testing positive for COVID-19.

This is in line with the bare minimum quarantine per CDC recommendation.

However, four days later, Gordon received another call from Moffitt, claiming her quarantine was finished.

However, Gordon was still sick. Gordon claims that her symptoms became so bad that she had to be temporarily hospitalized. While quarantine time is decided based on when a patient first shows signs of symptoms, Gordon doesn’t believe her quarantine was set to the appropriate amount.

“My symptoms became severe,” Gordon said. “I had to be given two IV bags of fluid.”

Gordon believes Moffitt was directly responsible for her hospitalization. In addition to the shortened quarantine, Gordon claims that she was also given a flu vaccine by Moffitt while suffering from COVID-19. Because of this, Gordon feels that her symptoms were prolonged, which is why it progressed the way it did.

“I felt very betrayed and misinformed,” Gordon said. “I don’t trust Moffitt Health.”

Jared Bosarge, a sophomore business entrepreneurship major, said he received two COVID-19 tests from Moffitt, one taking an hour and the other taking a day. But Bosarge said the next steps were unclear, as he was unsure of when his quarantine would actually end.

“They [Moffitt] never gave me a clear time range for quarantine,” Bosarge said.

“I only got a call after the seventh day telling me it was over.”

Moffitt Health Center follows CDC and MSDH criteria when figuring out when to discontinue quarantine after a student tests positive for COVID-19. Melissa Roberts, the executive director of Student Health Services and Moffitt Health Center, explained the process of COVID-19 testing and quarantine periods for those who test positive.

According to Roberts, Moffitt quarantines positive COVID-19 cases for a minimum

of ten days. The first day of quarantine is the first day that the student shows signs of symptoms. If a person is asymptomatic, their quarantine begins directly after testing positive.

“MHC [Moffitt Health Center] staff documents the dates of quarantine which are given to the patient within the electronic medical record,” Roberts said. “Providers also write the quarantine dates on the instructions which are given to the patient at their clinic visit.”

Roberts also elaborated on the importance of students and their well-being when in Moffitt’s care. She explained that after a patient tests positive, they are placed into the case management program, which allows members of the staff to periodically check on those patients throughout their quarantine.

With her quarantine now over, Gordon urged Moffitt to prevent situations like hers from ever happening again.

“Moffit should be more mindful,” Gordon said. “There shouldn’t be any room left for mistakes.”

ENTERTAINMENT

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

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‘Love Goes’ shows the truth about heartbreak MEG FULLER ENTERTAINMENT/OPINION EDITOR rom the iconic singer/songwriter who gave the world hits such as “Stay With Me” and “Too Good at Goodbyes”, Sam Smith has created yet another masterpiece with their album ‘Love Goes’.

‘Love Goes’ is Smith’s bare, open reaction to heartbreak and loss while living in an unaccepting world. The album boasts many collaborations with artists such as Labrinth, Demi Lovato, Mormani, Burna Boy and Calvin Harris. These collabs, along with Smith’s natural creativity and talent, helped make ‘Love Goes’ a perfect album in this time of struggle.

Beginning with “Young”, Smith’s acapella track highlights the feeling of judgement and pressure throughout the beginning of their career. The following song, “Diamonds”, changes up the sound immediately with its electro-pop beat and fast tempo.

Smith mentioned their intentions with the overarching album when they released “Diamonds” as a single.

“The last two years have been the most experimental time of my life, personally but also musically,” Smith said in a note to fans. “Every time I went into the studio I

promised myself I would shoot for the stars and have no limitations.”

“Another One” also has a club-like, pop rhythm, but is instead paired with a somber message about moving on. This is the case for a lot of songs in ‘Love Goes’, with its upbeat tracks pairing with dark, serious messages.

Smith originally wished to name the album ‘To Die For’ to reflect this, but later changed the name after realizing it insensitive to the current pandemic. Throughout the creation of the album, Smith focussed on the message they wanted to share with their fans.

“It’s really deep into exploring my gender, exploring my queerness,” Smith said.

“I changed my pronouns and I was feeling so happy to be myself.”

Smith described the “safeness” they felt throughout the production of the album, as it is unlike anything they have produced before. The tracks throughout ‘Love Goes’ seem much more tame and honest as opposed to Smith’s previous upbeat and broad songs.

The more personal messages throughout these tracks makes them a lot stronger. This is especially the case for songs like “For The Lover That I Lost”, where Smith seems to reminisce on a much more personal breakup. “For The Lover That I

Illustration by Erin Collins | Printz

Lost” is also unique because of its production history. Smith wrote this song for singer Céline Dion, and she featured it on her 2019 album ‘Courage’. However, Smith realized the importance of this song for ‘Love Goes’, retouching lyrics that needed to be highlighted on their album.

“The day I went through my breakup, I went for a long walk in a forest and I just went into the middle of it, where no one could see me, and listened to ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’. I just cried my

eyes out. So I had to have a nod to Céline on this album,” Smith said.

‘Love Goes’ seems to show Smith’s true nature that they have sought for since the beginning of their career. The tracks are not only a reflection of the struggles they have experienced, but the same struggles that many throughout the LGBTQ+ community might experience as well. This vulnerability is both deeply relatable and profoundly beautiful, making ‘Love Goes’ a must listen.

‘Confetti’ is a let down JAKORI BEAUCHAMP PRINTZ REPORTER ittle Mix, the internationally famous British female pop group, returned last Friday with their sixth album, ‘Confetti’. But this album just did not capture or sustain my attention as they have in previous years.

This album was released two years after Little Mix’s fifth studio album ‘LM5’, which featured the smash hit single “Woman Like Me” featuring rap superstar Nicki Minaj.

Although I was initially excited that they were releasing new music and a new album, I started losing interest upon the release of each new single.

Before the release of this album, they released three official singles, “Break Up Song”, “Holiday” and “Sweet Melody”. They also released three promotional singles -- “Not a Pop Song”, “Happiness” and “Confetti” -- from the album to hype up fans. Out of all six of those songs released from the album, only “Break Up Song” and “Sweet Melody” captured my attention. Aside from that, the only other single that caught my attention was “Bounce Back”, which unfortunately did not make the album.

The thing that surprised me the most about ‘Confetti’ was its repetitive and uninspired songs. Little Mix typically is really diverse with their music. ‘Con-

fetti’, however, is just full of pop songs we have all heard before, with similar instrumentation and lyrics throughout.

I found myself only liking and saving a few of the 13 tracks as opposed to previously released ‘LM5’ and ‘Glory Days’ albums.

Even though I don’t think ‘Confetti’ is the worst album ever, I only found three songs to be noteworthy enough to be considered highlights. I picked the song “Nothing But My Feelings” as a highlight because it was a different sound than what we are used to hearing from Little Mix. Little Mix has always had songs on their albums that slipped into urban pop, but it was never as prominent as it is in “Nothing But My Feelings”. This was an actual urban pop song to me, and that made it one of the highlights of the album.

The instrumentation in “A Mess” was also extremely enjoyable because of its variation. While it had little to add to the band’s litany of cute pop songs, its production value made it much more noteworthy. It was definitely not one of Little Mix’s most standout tracks, but it got the job done.

“If You Want My Love”, meanwhile, stood out to me because of the title alone. The song samples former R&B, now pop, songstress Jennifer Lopez.

Even though the song wasn’t as R&B as I had hoped, I still would call it one of the highlights of the album for its difference.

Overall, this album was just not as good of a pop album as I was expect-

Illustration by Marissa Haas | Printz

ing, as Little Mix has released pop excellence in the past. The album was very boring, essentially a repeat of previous songs in their discography. I feel like they should’ve taken more time to

make ‘Confetti’ and crafted out a new sound that’s not so typical of what we are used to hearing from them.

OPINION NOVEMBER 11, 2020 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in historic race

Illustration by Erin Collins | Printz

DIPIN SUBEDI PRINTZ REPORTER oe Biden and Kamala Harris beat current President Donald Trump last week in the race for the White House.

An overwhelming voter not only stood against Trump, but also showed one of America’s crucial demands today: hope.

The wobbly presidency of Donald Trump came to an end on Saturday when Pennsylvania officially pushed Biden over the required 270 electoral college votes needed to obtain the presidency.

The overarching response to this victory has been positive.

These last four years have been some of the most tumultuous in the nation’s history, as we saw more racial, economic, religious and gender inequality than ever before. Now, many are finding hope in Biden’s upcoming presidency.

Biden’s victory brings a hope

of unification rather than division. The majority of voters who voted for Biden showed the degree of wholehearted faith they have put in the hope to reunite with their fellow Americans. The voters showed their fellow Americans that no matter what color, creed, race, economic status or sexual preference they are, a peaceful co-existence is possible and reconciliation is the only gateway to prosperity.

Biden’s victory brings a hope in a governance that safeguards one’s right of sustenance. The COVID-19 pandemic played a major role to heighten the voters’ optimism and faith in Biden. People chose to be governed by someone who would alleviate the grievances and plight of millions instead of a smug and apathetic leader under whose leadership the nation’s resilience was faltering.

Biden’s victory brings a hope to make the United States a dignified nation again in front

of its allies and adversaries. It took less than four years for Trump to smother and erase the international dignity of America that American heroes toiled over for more than 200 years. People see the will to build bridges instead of fences under Biden’s presidency and a restoration of their pride as a citizen of the United States of America.

Biden’s victory brings a hope to elect a leader who is not corrupt through and through, but who instead pledges to serve the people by utilizing the power of his prestigious office. America gave their hopes and dreams another shot in order to save its democracy this past election. They chose a new leader who displays transparency through his well sorted out plans and policies as opposed to the previous pathological liar in office.

Biden’s victory brings a hope to ‘Build Back Better’. Four more years of Trump would have left an irrevocable im-

pact on the robustness of this nation. Resilience, tolerance, decency, security, justice and equal opportunity which were deprecated by Trump’s America sees a future in Biden’s America, where these aspects of a healthy society will regain their vitality.

During the four years of Donald Trump’s presidency, we saw a monstrous, vicious and evil fragment of America brought into the foreground.

American people have since learned from these mistakes.

Now, we see the hope of a new dawn in the annihilation of Trump’s second term in the Oval Office.

The malignancy and the hubris of the vanquished, however, are unwieldy as ever, and it may take some time for its complete removal. No matter how long it takes, though, America has spoken, and it has given leadership to the one who understands America best.

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

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Southern Miss wins its first home game in nearly a year against North Alabama CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR

fter starting this season by losing four home games, Southern Miss (2-5, 1-2 Conference USA) earned its first win at home since 2019 with a 24-13 victory against North Alabama.

Despite four turnovers by Southern Miss, the Nasty Bunch allowed only 175 yards, its fewest this the whole season. All of North Alabama’s 13 points came from Southern Miss’s mistakes, of which there were few.

“I told the defense that it’s nice to see the Nasty Bunch back and that’s the best we’ve played all year,” Interim Head Coach Tim Billings said.

“They did a great job, they played with enthusiasm and excitement. They played well. They kept us in the game until offensively we finally got rolling in the fourth quarter.”

On offense, Southern Miss had its best rushing game of the season by earning 245 yards on the ground. Freshman running back Frank Gore Jr. led the way for Southern Miss, earning his second career game with over 100 yards rushing. Gore finished with 103 yards in total on 13 carries. RB Darius Maberry also contributed 53 yards. RB Kevin Perkins had a career day as well, rushing all three of Southern Miss’s touchdowns.

“I can’t even explain the feelings, but it’s great,” Perkins said after the game. “The feeling of just going into the locker room with a win and just celebrating with your brothers [is great].”

Southern Miss had a sloppy start to the game, turning the ball over three times in the first quarter. Southern Miss fumbled the opening kickoff after a miscommunication in the return team. Two plays later, North Alabama quarterback Blake Dever threw to wide receiver Andre Little for a 12-yard touchdown. On the following drive, defensive back Kyree Fields intercepted

Photos by Niusha Karki | Printz Lowe’s first pass of the game.

Southern Miss’s defense prevented the Lions from scoring again in the first quarter, however.

Southern Miss’s offense found success late in the first quarter with big runs from Gore and Maberry. However, the Golden Eagles did not score, as Lowe gave the ball up on a fumble.

Southern Miss prevented the Lions from scoring another touchdown during the turnover and made the Lions settle for a field goal. The Golden Eagles continued to rush the ball successfully.

After Perkins converted a fourth and two, he rushed past the goal line to give Southern Miss its first touchdown of the game.

Seymour leads the Golden Eagles to the field for Military Appreciation Day at the Rock.

Southern Miss drove the ball all the way to the four-yard line before the end of the first half, but two false start penalties stalled the drive. The Golden Eagles walked away empty-handed after the Lions blocked kicker Briggs Bourgeois’ field goal attempt.

Billings describes what he told the team at halftime when the Golden Eagles were down 10-7.

“I just told them, hey guys, y’all got to decide if you want to win this or not,” Billings said.

“We know right now [the reason] we’re behind is all because of us. We’re good enough to win, we should win this game and you just need to go

out there and play, and that’s what they did.”

Southern Miss started the third quarter with another turnover. Lowe was hit and forced a pass, which was intercepted by North Alabama’s defensive back Gerrell Green. However, Southern Miss’s defense made another red zone stop, limiting the Lions to another field goal, keeping the score within one possession.

The stop proved to be crucial, as Southern Miss drove down the field on the next drive to take its first lead of the game. After another fourth and short conversion, Perkins ran for an 11-yard touchdown to put Southern Miss up 1413 early in the fourth quarter. Perkins continued to roll past the Lions on the next drive, earning his third touchdown with a 17-yard rush.

Cornerback Natrone Brooks intercepted Dever to give Southern Miss its first interception since the second game of the season. The turnover set up a 38-yard field goal from Briggs Bourgeois with under two minutes remaining, sealing the Golden Eagles’ victory.

Linebacker Santrell Latham continued to be a defensive force for the Golden Eagles, earning ten tackles, two of which were for losses. Latham described how the defense came together today for its best performance of the season.

“I feel good that we came together today, especially for the defense,” Latham said. “They stood up in moments they haven’t this season and for them to do it today, I’m ready to get back next week.”

The win marks the first win under Billings.

Perkins explains how good it feels for the team to earn a win after a season filled with adversity and coaching changes.

“The coaching changes don’t even hurt us.

We’re doing it for each other,” Perkins said. “We love each other and it’s just a bond that can’t be broken. We just stick with the plan, man, and keep pushing.”

Southern Miss will travel next week to play conference opponent Western Kentucky on Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m.