Austin Davis threw for four touchdowns and No. 24 Southern Miss blocked a punt for another score to upset No. 6 Houston 49-28 in the Conference USA championship game.

The host Cougars (12-1) failed in their bid to become the first C-USA team to reach a BCS bowl game.

Southern Miss (11-2) jumped out to a 14-0 lead and led 21-14 at the half. Furious Bradley came in untouched to block the punt early in the third quarter, scooping it up for an 11-yard touchdown.

Davis’ 61-yard strike to Tracy Lampley pushed the lead to 42-21 late in the third.

Houston’s Case Keenum, the NCAA career leader in passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense, was picked off twice after entering the game with just three interceptions. He went 41 of 67 for 373 yards and two touchdowns.

The Golden Eagles won their first conference title since 2003, having lost in their previous championship game appearance in 2006.

A 5-9, 168-pounder, Lampley was the best player on the field. The junior ran for 71 yards and caught six balls for 125 yards and two touchdowns.