Quarterback Keon Howard made his fifth career start as he led the Golden Eagles to a 24-0 homecoming win against the University of Texas El-Paso.
Howard was intercepted on the opening drive, setting up what would become a turnover ridden night. Even so, the Southern Miss defense managed to contain a struggling UTEP offense, ranking dead last in C-USA total offense heading into the matchup.
On the following Southern Miss drive, Howard charged forward. Howard found wide receiver Korey Robertson for a 23-yard gain that set up an opportunity for a deep shot.