Southern Miss uses big plays to pull away from Southeastern Louisiana in second half 35-10

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Tate Rodemaker threw two touchdown passes and Southern Miss turned in two big plays in the second half in defeating Southeastern Louisiana 35-10 on Saturday night.

The FCS Lions (0-2) trailed only 14-10 at halftime but a 1-yard touchdown run by Rodrigues Clark gave Southern Miss (1-1) the lead for good in the third quarter. The Golden Eagles pulled away in the fourth on Dylan Lawrence's 63-yard interception return and Kenyon Clay's 70-yard touchdown run.

Rodemaker, a Florida State transfer, was 18-of-33 passing for 179 yards and his two TDs. Larry Simmons finished with 100 yards receiving on five catches.

Eli Sawyer completed 21 of 39 passes for 153 yards with an interception for the Lions. Antonio Martin Jr. rushed 15 times for 93 yards and a score.