The postgame celebration was wrapping up.
Southern Miss players and coaches were making their way to the locker room at M.M. Roberts Stadium following Friday’s resounding 39-24 victory over Louisiana Tech in the latest installment of the “Rivalry In Dixie.”
The Golden Eagles had just improved to 6-6, achieving bowl eligibility for the second straight year by knocking off the Conference USA West Division champion Bulldogs. Coach Jay Hopson spent several minutes on the field, taking it all in. He shared a moment with senior quarterback Nick Mullens. Senior offensive lineman Wil Freeman was next, giving Hopson a mild bear hug.