LEXINGTON, Ky. – Southern Miss' season-opener mercifully ended due to mother nature.
The Golden Eagles' game was cut short because of weather in the third quarter, but three early turnovers were Southern Miss' demise as Kentucky was declared the winner after leading 31-0.
Notably, the opening kickoff was delayed for nearly two-and-a-half hours because of the weather.
The SEC released a statement stating, "By mutual agreement of the participating institutions as permitted by NCAA rules, tonight's game between Kentucky and Southern Miss has been terminated and is considered a complete game with a final score of 31-0 in favor of Kentucky. All statistics in the game are considered final and complete."
Southern Miss held its own through the first quarter, with the Wildcats taking a 7-0 lead. Dylan Lawrence intercepted Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff in the endzone to kill the Wildcats' opening drive.
However, the success was short-lived after starting quarterback Tate Rodemaker threw an interception on USM's second offensive play. Vandagriff, who passed for 169 yards and finished the game 12-for-18, capitalized on the turnover with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Barion Brown.
The Golden Eagles drove to Kentucky's seven-yard line, but Rodemaker threw a second interception in the end zone. Despite the picks, Rodemaker completed 13 of his 19 passes and passed for 126 yards.
Two drives later, a short punt allowed Kentucky to make a 41-yard field goal setting to kickstart the Wildcats' offensive moment. Kentucky then scored on a one-yard touchdown to cap off a quick 7-play, 75-yard drive.
With three minutes left in the half, Southern Miss called a failed fake punt inside its 35-yard line to set up a 12-yard touchdown by Vandagriff and build a 24-0 lead for the Wildcats by halftime.
The game's final play was Vandagriff's third touchdown pass of the night with 9:56 left in the third quarter.
It's the first time Southern Miss has been shut out since it's 34-0 to loss to UAB in 2021.
Southern Miss will host Southeastern Louisiana next Saturday at 6 p.m.
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