Chase Litton threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, but it proved not to be enough against an undeterred Southern Miss defense.
The Thundering Herd had a chance to take it to overtime late, scoring a TD with 1:15 left in the game. Instead, the team opted to go for two, and Litton’s pass was intercepted, sealing the victory for the Golden Eagles. The win sent Southern Miss to 8-4 (6-2) as they await their bowl opponent. This USM squad will go bowling for their third consecutive season, their longest streak since going to ten consecutive bowl games from 2002-2011.