USM beat La Tech, 39-24; Mullens breaks school record

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Golden Eagles had their last game of the regular season against Louisiana Tech Friday, and things went according to plan for Southern Miss.

Southern Miss defeated Louisiana Tech, 39-24 and are now bowl eligible.

Junior defensive back, Picasso Nelson, Jr. said, "We just wanted to give it our all, especially for the seniors, because they deserve it. They work so hard. A lot of the seniors are my closest friends. I told them regardless of how I feel or whatever, I'm just going to give my all for them. And everyone individually gave their all tonight. And as a result, we won."

"You couldn't write the ending any better man. Just talking about the o-line and how hard they worked and how far they've came along. Ito (Smith) making plays, D.J. (Thompson) making plays, Korey (Robertson) stepped up. The defense creating turnovers, putting pressure on La-Tech's great offense they have. And just a complete team effort and something I'll never forget. You talk about memories, and what a great way to go out. Man, I appreciate that," said senior quarterback, Nick Mullens.

Nelson received Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for having two interceptions and nine tackles against La Tech.

Mullens became the school's career leader in touchdown passes with 85, which surpassed Austin Davis' 83 touchdown passes from 2008-2011.