Davis throws for 253 yards, Fletcher’s 103 rushing yards lead Southern Miss past UCF 26-19

Davis helps Southern Miss beat UCF 26-19

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — 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.

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.