COL FB: Houston 50, Southern Miss. 43

HOUSTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- No. 16 Houston, led by Case Keenum's career-high five touchdown passes Saturday, outlasted Southern Mississippi for a 50-43 Conference USA win.

The possible Heisman Trophy candidate completed 44-of-54 passes for 559 yards. His 28-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Edwards broke a 43-43 tie with 21 seconds left and capped a wild 38-point fourth.

James Cleveland scored twice on 13 catches for 190 yards. Tyron Carrier had 10 receptions for 88 yards for the Cougars (7-1, 3-1), who held a 750-608 total yardage advantage.

Charles Sims scored once on 14 carries for 95 yards.

USM's Martevious Young passed for 334 yards with three touchdowns.

Damion Fletcher scored once on 26 carries for 136 yards.

Young added 70 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown, while Gerald Baptiste scored three times on eight catches for 186 yards for the Eagles (5-4, 3-2).