Southern Miss
UCF
Southern Miss Tops UCF, 26-19
9/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 12, 2009
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HATTIESBURG, MISS. (AP) - Austin Davis threw for 253 yards and a touchdown to help Southern Mississippi beat Central Florida 26-19 in the Conference USA opener for both teams on Saturday night.
Damion Fletcher rushed for 103 yards for the Golden Eagles (2-0, 1-0), who outgained UCF 418-194 on offense.
Fletcher, who was held to 17 yards rushing in the first half, gained 86 yards on the ground in the second half. He also had six catches for 51 yards.
"I'm proud of the way we responded in this close game," Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora said. "It was a hard-fought game in sloppy conditions, and we knew it would be a battle."
Davis connected with Leroy Banks for an 18-yard touchdown to give Southern Miss a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Fletcher's 5-yard rushing score put the Golden Eagles ahead 26-13 in the fourth.
Hodges completed 15 of 26 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns for the Golden Knights (1-1, 0-1). But the quarterback didn't get much help from the running game, which was held to 15 yards.
"I think the players know that we gave up some points that you can't give up," Golden Knight coach George O'Leary said. "I think they understand that close only counts in horseshoes."
