Southern Miss Sets Records in 44-28 Win Over Rice in 2016

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The Southern Miss Golden Eagles set five school records during a 44-28 victory over Rice on Oct. 1, 2016, at M.M. Roberts Stadium, drawing a crowd of 28,325. The game featured standout performances from quarterback Nick Mullens and receiver Allenzae Staggers.

Mullens threw for 591 yards and four touchdowns, breaking the school record for passing yards in a game previously held by Austin Davis. The Golden Eagles also established a new team record with 702 yards of total offense, surpassing the previous high of 682 yards set the prior year against Rice.

Staggers caught six passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns, including 75-, 81- and 93-yard receptions. His yardage broke the school record of 260 yards, set by Kendrick Lee in 1996. Staggers became the first FBS player in 10 years to catch three touchdowns of 75 yards or more in a single game.

The game was tied at halftime, but Staggers’ 93-yard touchdown — the third-longest in school history — gave the Eagles a 27-14 lead with 9:46 remaining in the third quarter. The team maintained its lead and never looked back. Head coach Jay Hopson praised the players for their performances.

Defensively, the Eagles recorded a season-high seven sacks, including 3 ½ by senior Dylan Bradley. Bradley, who had six tackles for loss and 1 ½ sacks coming into the game, finished just short of the school record of four sacks. Bradley credited the effort to team support.

Rice’s lone touchdown came from Tyler Stehling, who threw a 7-yard pass to Samuel Stewart, giving the Owls their only lead of the game at 7-3. Stewart also contributed 19 carries for 132 yards and two scores. The victory helped Southern Miss finish the season with a 7-6 record, culminating with a 28-21 win over Louisiana in the New Orleans Bowl.

Source: Original Article