Wright’s return propels Louisville

Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

Justin Burke threw for a pair touchdowns and Jeremy Wright scored on a 95-yard kickoff return Tuesday night to help Louisville beat former Conference USA rival Southern Mississippi 31-28 in the Beef ’O’ Brady’s Bowl.

Burke tossed scoring passes to 11 yards to Cameron Graham and 10 yards to Josh Chichester while the Cardinals (7-6) erased a 14-point first-half deficit, then produced a go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter.

Austin Davis threw 205 yards and two touchdowns to become Southern Mississippi’s career TD pass leader, moving ahead of Brett Favre and Lee Roberts in the Golden Eagles record book with 53 in three seasons.

The Southern Miss quarterback also scored on a 17-yard reception from receiver Quentin Pierce.

Wright’s long kickoff return made it 28-all early in the fourth quarter. Chris Philpott’s 36-yard field goal gave the Cardinals their first lead with 6:30 remaining.

Davis completed 19 of 32 passes, including TD throws of 32 yards to Pierce and 8 yards to Zeke Walters for the Golden Eagles (8-5).

In addition to becoming the Southern Miss career TD pass leader, the junior moved into second place on the school’s career passing list with 7,396 yards — 299 short of the 7,695 Favre threw for from 1987-90. Meanwhile, Desmond Johnson scored on a 62-yard run and finished with a season-high 107 yards rushing.