It was a nightmare third quarter for the Houston Cougars who have been unable to slow down Southern Miss and now trail 42-21 entering the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles outscored the Cougars 21-7 in the third quarter while Houston's BCS bowl hopes could be slipping away. 

Southern Miss extended their halftime lead to 28-14 after Furious Bradley blocked a Houston punt attempt and returned it for an 11 yard touchdown. After both teams swapped interceptions on their next possessions, Houston cut into the lead with a four yard touchdown run from Michael Hayes to make the score 28-21. 

The rest of the quarter belonged to quarterback Austin Davis and the Southern Miss offense. Desmond Johnson once again gave the Golden Eagles a two score lead with a 17 yard touchdown run with 3:18 left. Houston was forced to punt on its next possession and Austin Davis capped off the third quarter scoring with a 61 yard strike to Tracy Lampley for a 42-21 lead. 

Case Keenum has 230 yards and a touchdown but has been out performed by Davis who has 269 yards and four touchdowns for Southern Miss through three quarters.