UAB knocks off Southern Miss 30-17

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Hiram Atwater returned an interception
40 yards for a touchdown to seal UAB’s 30-17 win over Southern
Mississippi on Thursday night, the Blazers’ first victory over
their Conference USA rival.
    The Blazers (2-3, 2-1) had set up Josh Zahn’s second field goal
of the fourth quarter after recovering a muffed punt. Southern Miss
(3-2, 1-1) still needed only a touchdown and extra point to improve
to 10-0 over UAB.
    Atwater stepped in front of Austin Davis’s first pass of the
drive that started with 1:19 left and no timeouts. Atwater crossed
the field and raced into the end zone. He earlier recovered a
fumble to set up the go-ahead score late in the third quarter.
    Joe Webb rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown and passed for
another score for the Blazers, who had lost three straight games
and were humiliated 70-14 by the Golden Eagles last season.