Rockette, Baker spark South Alabama past UL-Monroe

Updated Oct. 24, 2020 10:33 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Devin Rockette returned an interception a school-record 95 yards to open scoring early, Kawaan Baker hauled in six passes for 154 yards with three touchdowns and South Alabama walloped Louisiana-Monroe 38-14 on a hot and humid Saturday night.

The win was a second straight for South Alabama (3-2, 2-0 Sun Belt) and also broke a two-game losing streak in the series against the Warhawks (0-6, 0-3).

Louisiana-Monroe stifled South Alabama's opening drive, holding the Jaguars to two yards before forcing a punt. The Warhawks offense advanced to the 14 before Rockette picked off Colby Suits and ran it back 95 yards the other way.

The Pick-6 was South Alabama's first defensive touchdown since the 2018 season.

Desmond Trotter lofted a pass to Baker, who'd gotten behind two Louisiana-Monroe defenders, , and a 17-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Baker caught two more scoring passes after halftime. Trotter completed 8 of 12 passes for 184 yards.

Baker notched his second 100-yard receiving game this season, third of his career.

Suits finished 22-for-33 for 282 yards, his third 200-yard game this season, and a touchdown strike to Jordan Carroll as the Warhawks closed to 31-14 early in the fourth quarter.