ESPN recently released its list of 100 games that, in the network’s view, have shaped college football. Among the entries are two remarkable Southern Miss victories that surprised powerhouse opponents.
Yet the author of the piece contends that three other Golden Eagles triumphs deserve equal, if not greater, recognition, given the magnitude of the opponents and the ripple effects they produced.
The 1982 Alabama Shock
That year, Southern Miss traveled to Tuscaloosa and posted a 38‑29 victory over the Crimson Tide, halting Paul "Bear" Bryant’s 57‑game home win streak and signaling a new era for the program.
The second notable upset came a year earlier, when the Eagles dismantled No. 20 Florida State 58‑14 in Tallahassee. The win propelled Southern Miss to No. 9 in the AP Poll, the highest ranking ever achieved by the school.
A 1970 Triumph Over Ole Miss
Perhaps the most celebrated of the overlooked games unfolded in 1970, when Southern Miss traveled to Oxford and defeated No. 4 Ole Miss 30‑14. The victory was anchored by the brilliance of Ray Guy, the precision of Willie Heidelberg, and the strategic guidance of Coach P.W. "Bear" Underwood.
Beyond these headline moments, the program has accumulated a series of honorable mentions — games that, while not making the top 100, illustrate the consistent capacity of Southern Miss to punch above its weight against nationally ranked opponents.
These forgotten contests not only added chapters to the school’s record books but also influenced recruiting, fan engagement, and the cultural narrative of underdog success in college football.