Historic Steven Robinson and Jamarice Wilder Continue to Dominate the SBC Ground Game
Two backs strengthen the offense
Southern Miss rushed for 317 yards as a team in Week 1, signaling how central the ground game could be. Offensive coordinator Kyle Cefalo said the staff trusts both backs to handle their roles and produce big plays.
Head coach Blake Anderson assembled the roster with the backfield in mind, and Robinson and Wilder emerged from a competitive offseason battle for the starting position. Their contrasting approaches give the offense a reliable pair of options.
Robinson sets a strong pace
Across eight games, Robinson has recorded 728 rushing yards on 142 carries and nine touchdowns. He ranks second in the SBC in rushing yards and is tied for first in rushing touchdowns. He has also caught 16 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown against Auburn.
Robinson drew attention with 145 yards and three touchdowns against Louisiana on Homecoming. In conference play, he has averaged 102 rushing yards and more than one touchdown per game. Robinson described his partnership with Wilder as a blend of Wilder’s elusiveness and his own physical running style.
Wilder adds another threat
Wilder has gained 476 rushing yards on 72 carries and scored six touchdowns, placing sixth in the SBC in yards and tied for sixth in touchdowns. Against Louisiana, he posted a career-high 154 rushing yards and a touchdown.
In four SBC games, Wilder has totaled 296 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson called Wilder his brother and said they draw energy from each other, while the offensive line helps motivate both backs.
A milestone within reach
Southern Miss last had two running backs exceed 700 rushing yards in 2015, when Ito Smith and Jalen Richard each topped 1,000. Wilder needs 224 more yards, or an average of 56 per game across the final four contests, for him and Robinson to reach 700 this season.
The Golden Eagles host James Madison on Thursday night in a nationally televised SBC game on ESPN2. Through nine games, the Dukes have allowed 116.8 rushing yards per game, the second-lowest total in the conference.
Key points
- Robinson has 728 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through eight games.
- Wilder has 476 rushing yards and six touchdowns in eight games.
- Wilder needs 224 more rushing yards for both backs to reach 700.
- James Madison allows the SBC’s second-fewest rushing yards per game.