The SMU football team (5-2, 3-1) had stampeded through its opponents during its five-game winning streak and going into Saturday's game against the University of Southern Mississippi (6-1, 2-1), a lot of experts were predicting a crazy shootout. Instead, the Golden Eagles locked down the Mustangs' Run and Shoot offense with their best defensive performance in three years to claim the victory, 27-3.

With the win, Southern Miss has garnered the attention of experts and are No. 25 in the most recent USA Today Polls. The Golden Eages didn't quite crack the AP Top 25 yet but are right on the bubble with 48 votes. The Mustangs are left lamenting what could have been, after going into the game on the bubble themselves. SMU received no votes in the latest polls.

Quarterback J.J. McDermott completed only 16 of his 32 pass attempts for 163 yards and two costly interceptions. One of those interceptions came in the Golden Eagles' end zone, squashing a possible, momentum-shifting score for SMU. His other interception was returned 41 yards for a touchdown that sealed the victory for Southern Miss.

Running back Zach Line was the bright spot for the SMU offense. He turned in his best performance of the season, rushing 22 times for 163 yards. However, Line was unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities inside the 10-yard line.

With the loss, SMU dropped into third place in West, swapping places with Tulsa. However, the Mustangs will have a chance to take back their position next week when they travel to Tulsa on Saturday, October 29. Kick off for the game is scheduled at 2:30 p.m.