ESPN College Football

Louisville beat Southern Miss 31-28 in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Tuesday night. Here is a quick instant analysis:

How the game was won: Louisville was better on special teams, plain and simple. Southern Miss made too many mistakes that ended up costing it the game. Danny Hrapmann, a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, had a 29-yard field goal blocked in the third quarter. Then after Southern Miss took a 28-21 lead early in the fourth quarter, Louisville returner Jeremy Wright took the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. Southern Miss also had a bad snap on a punt early in the game, but Louisville did not take advantage of the miscue.

Southern Miss also had one other critical error: Johdrick Morris fumbled late in the second quarter following a reception, and Louisville ended up scoring a touchdown off that mistake, too, to tie the game. Each time Southern Miss took a lead in this game, Louisville found a way to come back. The Golden Eagles had leads of 14-0 and 21-7 but could not control the outcome.

Turning point: With the score tied at 28, Louisville got a much-needed break. Bilal Powell appeared to have fumbled at his own 20-yard line, but the ruling on the field was no fumble. Video replays showed his knee never touched the ground, but the no fumble call was upheld on review. Louisville ended up driving for a 36-yard field goal from Chris Philpott to go up 31-28. For those wondering, Sun Belt officials worked the game.

Player of the game: Louisville cornerback Johnny Patrick. He was all over the place, with a forced fumble and blocked field goal -- two plays that ended up making the difference in the game.

Best call: Highlight of the night had to have been the reverse pass from Southern Miss receiver Quentin Pierce to quarterback Austin Davis in the second quarter. Davis made a stunning one-handed catch with his right hand extended in the air. He grabbed it, stumbled, kept his legs and got into the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown reception.

What it means: Southern Miss has had plenty of offensive fireworks this season, and definitely has something to build on for next season with the return of Davis, DeAndre Brown, Kelvin Bolden, Kendrick Hardy and company. But Southern Miss has got to get more disciplined. The special teams breakdowns were costly, and the Golden Eagles also had too many penalties once again. They also need more of a killer instinct. Southern Miss lost four of its five games this season by six points or less. Until the Golden Eagles can pull out the close games, they are going to have trouble winning championships.

Record performance: Davis set the school record for career touchdown passes, breaking the record of 52 held by Brett Favre (1987-90) and Lee Roberts (1995-1998).

Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

Southern Miss will be without three of its top players when it heads to Birmingham to face UAB in a pivotal Conference USA tilt.

Coach Larry Fedora announced after Tuesday’s practice that receivers DeAndre Brown and Johdrick Morris, and running back Damion Fletcher would all stay home to nurse various injuries.

Brown suffered a shoulder injury during last week’s game against Kansas and Fletcher suffered a groin strain the same game. Both players missed the final three series of the game.

Morris is still recovering from a concussion he suffered against Virginia on Sept. 19. He did not play against Kansas.

“We went through the entire spring without DeAndre and Fletch, so all the guys who will be playing got reps all through spring and a lot during [fall] camp,” Fedora said. “Quentin Pierce will step up and make plays like he did this past spring and we are looking to Tory [Harrison], along with V.J. Floyd and Tracey Lampley at tailback.”

Southern Miss is 3-1 this season a 1-0 in conference play with a win over Central Florida. UAB is 1-3 and 1-1 in conference play. After winning its opening game against Rice, the Blazers have lost three straight.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

Southern Miss has asked the NCAA to review the play that resulted in a concussion for receiver Johdrick Morris during Saturday's 37-34 win over Virginia, coach Larry Fedora said Tuesday.

Virginia freshman cornerback Chase Minnifield was responsible for the hit that knocked Morris out of the game. There was no penalty called and Fedora said he thought that was a mistake.

"I don't think there's any doubt that the guy left his feet," Fedora said. "I don't think there's any doubt he led with his head. I don't think there's any doubt he hit a defenseless player above the shoulder area. We'll see what they say. There's supposed to be a big push on protecting a defenseless player."

Fedora said Morris was doubtful for Saturday’s game against No. 20 Kansas. If Morris can’t play, offensive coordinator Darrell Wyatt told the Hattiesburg American that Quentin Pierce would fill his role.