Louisiana Tech beats Southern Miss 36-13

RUSTON, La. -- Kenneth Dixon ran for 207 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries to lead Louisiana Tech to a 36-13 victory over Southern Miss Saturday night. Louisiana Tech (4-5, 3-2 Conference USA) set the tone with an early safety. Backup Scotty Young found Trent Taylor for a 13-yard score on the ensuing drive to give the Bulldogs a 9-0 lead. Young finished with 158 yards passing and two touchdowns. Corey Acosta kicked 26-yard field goal to get Southern Miss (0-9, 0-5) on the board. Following a Louisiana Tech touchdown, Acosta drilled a 50-yarder to cut the lead to 16-6. Louisiana Tech's defense owned the second half, shutting out Southern Miss. The defense forced four turnovers in addition to the early safety. Nick Mullens finished 25 of 51 for 298 yards with three interceptions in his third career start for Southern Miss. The loss extended the Golden Eagles losing streak to 21 games.