Louisiana Tech uses fourth quarter to beat S Alabama 34-16
Smith fits throw into tight window for TD
Bulldogs QB J'Mar Smith rolls right and throws a dime where only Adrian Hardy can make the 30-yard TD catch as Louisiana Tech extends its lead to 24-16.
RUSTON, La. -- J'Mar Smith threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns and Louisiana Tech broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to beat South Alabama 34-16 on Saturday night.
Entering the final quarter leading 17-16, Louisiana Tech (3-2) broke it open in the fourth when Smith threw a 30-yard score to Adrian Hardy to cap a seven-play, 90-yard drive with 12:17 left. Jonathan Barnes added a 29-yard field goal about eight minutes later, and Boston Scott wrapped up the scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run with 3:17 to play.
Scott had 76 yards on six carries. The Bulldogs outgained South Alabama 479-333 in total yards.
South Alabama (1-4) led once when Cole Garvin threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jamarius Way early in the game for 7-0 lead. Garvin threw for 235 yards and two interceptions.
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Game Information
2023 Sun Belt Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| James Madison | 7-1 | 11-2 |
| Appalachian State | 6-2 | 9-5 |
| Coastal Carolina | 5-3 | 8-5 |
| Old Dominion | 5-3 | 6-7 |
| Georgia State | 3-5 | 7-6 |
| Marshall | 3-5 | 6-7 |
| Georgia Southern | 3-5 | 6-7 |
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Troy | 7-1 | 11-3 |
| Texas State | 4-4 | 8-5 |
| South Alabama | 4-4 | 7-6 |
| Arkansas State | 4-4 | 6-7 |
| Louisiana | 3-5 | 6-7 |
| Southern Miss | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| UL Monroe | 0-8 | 2-10 |
2023 Conference USA Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 8-0 | 13-1 |
| New Mexico State | 7-1 | 10-5 |
| Jacksonville State | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Western Kentucky | 5-3 | 8-5 |
| Middle Tennessee | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Louisiana Tech | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Sam Houston | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| UTEP | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Florida International | 1-7 | 4-8 |
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