ESPN College Football

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Quarterback Jerick McKinnon ran in three touchdowns, including the game-winner in triple overtime, as Georgia Southern held off Chattanooga 39-31 Saturday night to maintain sole possession of first place in the Southern Conference.

McKinnon ran for 141 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown in the third overtime. During Chattanooga's third-overtime turn, Mocs quarterback Jacob Huesman was stoned on fourth-and-2 from the 5 to end the game.

Each team scored touchdowns in the first overtime, including an 8-yard, fourth-down scoring completion from Huesman to Faysal Shafaat to keep Chattanooga (4-4, 3-2) alive.

In the second overtime, Nick Pollard missed a 41-yard field goal attempt for Chattanooga, but McKinnon lost a fumble on the first play of the ensuing drive.

Alex Hanks missed wide right on a 49-yard field goal try for Georgia Southern (7-1, 6-1) at the regulation buzzer.

Huesman finished with 170 yards rushing on 26 attempts.