Southern Miss beats Louisiana Tech 13-12

RUSTON, La. (AP) — Southern Miss withstood a furious rally by Louisiana Tech in the fourth quarter as the Golden Eagles held off the Bulldogs 13-12 on Saturday night.

Deron Wilson picked off Louisiana Tech quarterback Tarik Hakmi at the Southern Miss 20-yard line with 2:31 left on the clock to seal the win.

The Golden Eagles (3-1) led 13-3 in the fourth quarter and appeared on their way to victory against a Bulldogs offense that struggled until late.

Hakmi found Richie Casey across the middle for a 19-yard touchdown with 11:07 remaining as the Bulldogs closed to within 13-10.

Louisiana Tech (1-3) cut the margin to 13-12 in the fourth after Rufus Porter blocked the punt of Ryan Allen, who batted the ball out the back of the end zone for a safety.

Austin Davis threw for 233 yards and one score for Southern Miss.

Hakmi passed for 262 yards and two interceptions.