UTSA running back Sincere McCormick (3) fends off an attempted tackle by Southern Mississippi defensive back Malik Shorts (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - Sincere McCormick ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns to lead UTSA to a 23-20 victory over Southern Mississippi on Saturday.
It was the first win for the Roadrunners (6-4, 4-2 Conference USA) at Southern Miss (2-7, 1-4).
Tate Whatley threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Frank Gore Jr. for Southern Miss that capped the scoring with 10 minutes to play. The Golden Eagles had one more possession, but couldn't cross midfield after 11 plays and four minutes remaining.
Trailing 10-9 after halftime, McCormick broke loose on a 69-yard touchdown run and scored from the 1 that gave the Roadrunners a 23-10 lead with 6:30 left in the third quarter.
McCormick entered second in the nation in yards rushing and set the program's single-season rushing record at 1,044 yards with a game remaining. He surpassed Jarveon Williams' 1,042 mark set in 2015-16. It was McCormick's eighth career 100-yard rushing game, matching Williams' record.
UTSA's Zakhari Franklin caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Frank Harris in the second quarter. Franklin, a sophomore, finished with 22 yards receiving and has over 1,000 yards for the season.
Whatley was 22-of-39 passing for 220 yards with two touchdowns. Gore finished with 70 yards rushing to go along with his scoring catch.
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UTSA running back Sincere McCormick (3) runs past Southern Mississippi linebacker Hayes Maples (32) for a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
Southern Mississippi quarterback Tate Whatley (6) is pressured by UTSA defensive lineman Kevin Nelson (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
UTSA offensive lineman Terrell Haynes (58) drops back to protect UTSA quarterback Frank Harris, in the background, from Southern Mississippi linebacker Hayes Maples (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
UTSA safety Rashad Wisdom (0) intercepts a pass intended for Southern Mississippi wide receiver Demarcus Jones (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
Southern Mississippi running back Frank Gore Jr. (21) carries the ball for a first down against UTSA during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
UTSA quarterback Frank Harris (0) is hurried by Southern Mississippi linebacker Swayze Bozeman (28) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
UTSA cornerback Ken Robinson, right, breaks up a pass to Southern Mississippi wide receiver Tim Jones (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
Southern Mississippi place kicker Briggs Bourgeois (40) kicks a field goal against UTSA during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
Southern Mississippi running back Frank Gore Jr. (21) is assisted by wide receiver Jason Brownlee's (17) block on UTSA safety SaVion Harris, as he scores on a 51-yard touchdown pass reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Hattiesburg, Miss. UTSA won 23-20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press