After trailing 13-0 in the first quarter and 34-17 late in third quarter, Southern Miss rallied to beat the visiting Virginia Cavaliers 37-34.
Offensively, the Golden Eagles were lead by 100 plus yard rushing games from seniors Damian Fletcher and Tori Harrison. Fletcher is now the USM all-time touchdown leader with 40. Harrison scored the game winning touchdown on a reverse in the 4th quarter. Austin Davis did a good job managing the offense, but overall the passing game was shut down by UVA.
Defensively, the Golden Eagles showed improvement in the second half. The first half didn't really see much pressure on the Cavaliers quaterback, but that changed in the second half with multiple blitz packages. The defensive backfield gave up several big plays as well.
Special teams play was almost perfect. Freddie Parham's 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown sparked the Southern Miss rally in the second half. The punt game was solid and Tracy Lampley seems to have emerged as the best punt returner. The only negative note was a botched snap on a point after attempt for the second week in a row.
The comeback win over Virgina was one of the most exciting games in recent memory at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Improvement will be necessary in all three phases of the game as the Golden Eagles take to the road for the first time this year against the ranked Kansas Jayhawks of the Big 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 11am and the game will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Net.
