Louisiana Tech running back Israel Tucker (22) wards off a tackle from Southern Mississippi linebacker Hayes Maples (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Alyssa Newton/The Sun Herald, via AP)
The Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - Griffin Hebert made a spectacular 4-yard touchdown catch underneath the goal post with 14 seconds left as Louisiana Tech rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat Southern Mississippi 31-30 on Saturday night in a Conference USA opener.
On fourth down, Luke Anthony scrabbled around the pocket and then tossed the ball to Hebert, who made a two-handed jumping catch while being pushed by two defenders out of bounds. Herbert kept his left foot just inside the end zone. The play was initially ruled incomplete and reversed after a lengthy review.
Anthony was 13 of 21 for 149 yards with three touchdown passes for Louisiana Tech in its season opener. Hebert finished with five catches for 48 yards including a 5-yard touchdown from starting quarterback Aaron Allen.
Jack Abraham was 24-of-32 passing for 264 yards with three touchdowns and an interception for Southern Miss (0-2, 0-1). Tim Jones had eight receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns.
Trailing 27-10 midway through the third quarter, Anthony threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Adrian Hardy. Anthony then tossed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Smoke Harris, who made an over-the-shoulder catch between two defenders that pulled the Bulldogs to 27-24 at the end of the third quarter.
It was interim coach Scott Walden's debut for the Golden Eagles. He replaced Jay Hopson of Sept. 7. Hopson was 28-23 in five seasons at Southern Miss.
Capacity was limited to 25% at 36,000-seat M.M. Roberts Stadium. Six feet of social distancing was required and tailgating prohibited.
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Southern Mississippi wide receiver Tim Jones (5) runs down field for a touchdown pass reception while breaking away from Louisiana Tech defensive back Jaiden Cole (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Alyssa Newton/The Sun Herald, via AP)
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Louisiana Tech defensive back Cedric Woods (30) breaks up a pass to Southern Mississippi wide receiver Jason Brownlee (17) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Alyssa Newton/The Sun Herald, via AP)
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Southern Mississippi wide receiver Demarcus Jones, top, is tackled by Louisiana Tech linebacker Tyler Grubbs during an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Cam Bonelli/Hattiesburg American via AP)
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Louisiana Tech wide receiver Griffin Herbert makes a run after catching a pass from quarterback Aaron Allen during an NCAA college football game against Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Cam Bonelli/Hattiesburg American via AP)
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Southern Mississippi running back Don Ragsdale jumps over the Louisiana Tech defense during an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Cam Bonelli/Hattiesburg American via AP)
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Southern Mississippi celebrates after wide receiver Jason Brownlee caught a touchdown pass during an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Tech in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Cam Bonelli/Hattiesburg American via AP)
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Southern Mississippi defensive back Malik Shorts (9) blocks a pass by Louisiana Tech quarterback Aaron Allen (3) to wide receiver Smoke Harris (5) during an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Cam Bonelli/Hattiesburg American via AP)
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Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holts, right, watches an NCAA college football game against Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Cam Bonelli/Hattiesburg American via AP)
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