HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) Dak Prescott threw two touchdown passes and Brandon Holloway returned a kickoff 100 yards for another score to lead Mississippi State past Southern Mississippi 34-16 on Saturday night.
It was a tighter-than-expected outcome considering Southern Miss had a 4-32 record over the last three seasons and lost 49-0 to the Bulldogs last season in Starkville.
But Mississippi State had two crucial first-half turnovers that helped keep Southern Miss in the game. The Golden Eagles were hosting a Southeastern Conference opponent for the first time since 1989.
Mississippi State led 14-10 at halftime and pushed ahead 21-10 on Prescott's 4-yard touchdown throw to Gus Walley. The Golden Eagles weren't able to get any closer.
Prescott completed 22 of 38 passes for 237 yards and also added 72 yards rushing, including a 7-yard touchdown.
Nick Mullens led Southern Mississippi with 311 yards passing.
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AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org
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