TUSCALOOSA — Southern Miss football was unable to keep up against No. 1 Alabama on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but the Ty Keyes-to-Grayson Gunter connection thrived for the Golden Eagles as the two connected three times for 61 yards to lead USM's offense in the 63-14 loss.
Southern Miss fell in a hole early, as Alabama's Jameson Williams ran back the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. After a Golden Eagles punt and another Alabama touchdown, USM managed a drive deep into Alabama territory before Alabama safety DeMarco Hellams intercepted a pass on fourth down.
The Golden Eagles finally got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter when Keyes hit receiver Chandler Pittman for a 14-yard score, the first of the freshman's career.