Southern Mississippi had two special teams touchdowns and a pair of defensive scores in its 48-28 victory over host East Carolina on Saturday.

The Golden Eagles (8-1, 4-1 C-USA), who won their sixth straight game, improved to 16-3 at East Carolina (4-5, 3-2) and took over sole possession of first in the East Division.

Southern Miss, which had only three offensive possessions in the first two quarters, scored its first three touchdowns on defense and special teams. Jamie Collins intercepted Dominique Davis’ pass and returned it 97 yards for a score, Tracy Lampley had a 60-yard punt return and Emmanuel Johnson scored on a 15-yard blocked punt return.

Deron Wilson returned Davis’ second interception of the game 79 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter to give the Eagles a 38-14 halftime lead.

East Carolina, which had its three-game winning streak snapped, failed to score 30 or more points for the first time in its last four games.

Davis finished with 262 yards passing and two touchdowns and also had a rushing score for the Pirates, and Reese Wiggins caught four passes for 85 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown on East Carolina’s opening possession.

Austin Davis completed 16-of-24 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles, who were outgained 419-299 but scored more than 30 points for the sixth straight game.