USM defeats Marshall, 24-14; Nick Mullens now holds all-time passing record

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss took on Marshall for their homecoming game.

After losing their last two games, the Golden Eagles wanted to get back to their winning ways.

Nose tackle, Dylan Bradley said, "Tonight was the start of the playoffs. If you win, that's one step closer to the conference championship. If you lose, now the only thing you're playing for is for somebody else to lose or you're only playing for a bowl game. And so, our mindset was to go out there and dominate in all phases."

Southern Miss came out with an impressive start. The Golden Eagles drove down the field and Ito Smith ran in a touchdown.

"Sometimes Ito can make something out of nothing. He's that guy that can run inside, outside, pass protect, catch it out of the backfield. He's a multi-talented back and that's something you don't always get," said head coach, Jay Hopson.

Smith ran for 146 yards and had two touchdowns. But, he wasn't the only offensive player who shined.

Nick Mullens had 300 yards passing and threw a touchdown to Allenzae Staggers.

Saturday night’s performance enabled him to become the school's all-time leader in passing yards.

"I didn't know he broke the record until after the game. But, his demeanor didn't change what he was trying to do. His mindset was to beat Marshall. So, congratulations to him, and his career, and his legacy that he's leaving here," said Bradley.

"He's a guy that has been a true soldier at Southern Miss. Every day he's going to give you 100 percent. He's just got that it factor," said Hopson.

"A.D. (Austin Davis) texted me and said, 'Easy on my records.' And I told him wins and championships is all that matters. So, I'm still chasing what he's got under his belt," said quarterback Nick Mullens.

Southern Miss will host Charlotte Saturday at 2:30 p.m.