Charlotte steamrolled through Hattiesburg like a freight train on a tight schedule Saturday.
The 49ers, 19 1/2-point underdogs, trailed 14-7 early in the second quarter. But the visitors rode a punishing ground game, an opportunistic defense and a blocked punt recovered in the end zone to shock Southern Miss 38-27 at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
The Golden Eagles fall to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in Coference USA. Charlotte improves to 4-5 and 3-2.
“Not a very good day today,” Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson said. “We’ve just got to play better in all phases of the game: special teams, offense and defense.