Dixon scores 3 touchdowns in Louisiana Tech's 31-20 victory over Southern Mississippi

Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol (19) passes against Southern Mississippi in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) (The Associated Press)

Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz talks with Southern Mississipp football coach, shown in the sun glasses, prior to the start of their NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) (The Associated Press)

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Kenneth Dixon caught a pair of touchdowns and ran for a third, all in the second half, as Louisiana Tech rallied past Southern Mississippi 31-20 on Saturday night.

Dixon's career-long 84-yard, catch-and-run on the second snap of the second half gave the Bulldogs (5-3, 4-0 Conference USA) their first lead. His 5-yard reception broke a 10-10 tie at the end of the third quarter. He had six catches for 124 yards.

Louisiana Tech's Cody Sokol completed 27 of 46 passes for a career-high 423 yards and three touchdowns, including a 29-yarder to Carlos Henderson in the final period.

Dixon, who rushed for 41 yards on 19 carries, scored Louisiana Tech's final points on a 1-yard run.

Southern Miss (3-5, 1-3) lost starting quarterback Nick Mullens on the game's first series to a foot injury. Backup Cole Weeks completed 28 of 45 for 338 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.