Southern Miss pulls away from Southeastern Louisiana in second half
- Southern Miss led 14-10 at halftime before scoring three touchdowns in the second half.
- Tate Rodemaker threw two touchdown passes and Larry Simmons had 100 receiving yards.
- The win improved Southern Miss's record to 1-1, while Southeastern Louisiana fell to 0-2.
On Saturday night in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Southern Miss secured a decisive victory over Southeastern Louisiana with a final score of 35-10. The game was closely contested in the first half, with the FCS Lions trailing by just four points at halftime. However, the Golden Eagles took control in the second half, starting with a 1-yard touchdown run by Rodrigues Clark, which shifted the momentum in favor of Southern Miss. Tate Rodemaker, a transfer from Florida State, played a pivotal role in the game, completing 18 of 33 passes for 179 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. His performance was complemented by Larry Simmons, who recorded 100 receiving yards on five catches. The Southern Miss defense also made a significant impact, highlighted by Dylan Lawrence's impressive 63-yard interception return for a touchdown. In addition to the defensive score, Kenyon Clay contributed to the offensive surge with a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, further extending the lead. On the other side, Eli Sawyer, the quarterback for Southeastern Louisiana, struggled to find his rhythm, completing 21 of 39 passes for 153 yards and throwing one interception. The victory marked Southern Miss's first win of the season, improving their record to 1-1, while Southeastern Louisiana fell to 0-2. The game showcased Southern Miss's ability to capitalize on big plays and solidify their lead in the second half, setting a positive tone for the remainder of their season.