Each week during the 2009 Mississippi State football season, visit mstateathletics.com for a blog of information from the MSU Athletic Media Relations staff regarding that week's game.
Each week's blog will be archived on this page.
(11:49 a.m.) - The Bulldogs capped off a 13-play, 69-yard opening drive with a 28-yard field goal by junior kicker Derek DePasquale, to tie the Rebels, 3-3, with 14:57 remaining in the second quarter.
(11:45 a.m.) - The first quarter ends with Ole Miss leading Mississippi State, 3-0. MSU is on the 11 yard-line and are lined up to kick a 28-yard field goal to begin the second quarter.
(11:32 a.m.) - On their opening drive Ole Miss went 13 plays for 60 yards to convert a 26-yard field goal and take a 3-0 lead with 7:54 remaining in the first quarter.
(11:21 a.m.) - MSU won the toss and elected to defer. Kickoff coming up.
Mississippi State enters today's game with a 4-7 overall record and 2-5 in Souteastern Conference action. MSU will honor 15 seniors in today's game as they will dress out for their final game with the Maroon and White. Among those seniors is MSU's all-time leading rusher Anthony Dixon, who enters today's game average 125.8 yards per game which is second-best in the SEC and sixth-best in the country. Dixon has totaled 1,258 yards on 228 carries this year adding 11 touchdowns. Linebacker Jamary Chaney will play in his final game for the Bulldogs and enters today's battle with a team-high and SEC 5th-best 88 tackles.
Ole Miss enters today's game ranked 20th in the country and winners of their previous three games and five of their previous six, to bring the Rebels' record to 8-3 overall and 4-3 in SEC action. Rebel senior Shay Hodge leads the SEC and stands 21st nationaly in receiving yards per game with 84.3 yards per contest. Senior tailback Dexter McCluster is 97 yards shy of reaching 1,000 for the season.
Ole Miss leads MSU 60-39-6 in previous meetings. The Rebels currently own a one-game win streak in the battle for the Golden Egg, after last seasons 45-0 win over the Bulldogs, but the last time the two teams met in Starkville, MSU won in a thrilling come-from-behind victory, 17-14.
Week 10 - The Alabama Game
Saturday, Nov. 14
(9:08 p.m. CT) - The clock shows 0:00 and Alabama has defeated Mississippi State 31-3. State falls to 4-6 on the year and 2-4 in Southeastern Conference play. The Bulldogs now look forward to a matchup with Arkansas next Saturday in Little Rock before closing out its regular season against Ole Miss on Nov. 28.
(8:48 p.m. CT) - Mark Ingram adds seven more points to the Alabama side of the scoreboard with a 70-yard scamper on Alabama's first play of the possession, making it a 31-3 game with 7:24 left in the game.
(8:40 p.m. CT) - In a matter of seconds, Alabama adds another seven points to make it a 24-3 game with 10:18 left. The scoring play, the first of the drive was a 48-yard connection from Greg McElroy to Julio Jones.
(8:35 p.m. CT) - Derek DePasquale puts Mississippi State on the board with a 34-yard field goal. The Bulldogs go 44 yards in 15 plays to close the gap to 17-3. 10:35 left in the fourth quarter.
(8:21 p.m. CT) - At the end of three quarters, Alabama maintains a 17-0 lead. State has just 148 total yards with 89 rushing yards. Anthony Dixon is pacing State on the ground as he has rushed 17 times for 71 yards. Tyson Lee is 6-11 through the air for just 59 yards.
(8:16 p.m. CT) - Both teams have traded possessions with nothing doing. Mississippi State has the ball at its own 39 with 1:41 left in the third quarter.
(8:00 p.m. CT) - Mississippi State stalls as Derek DePasquale's 36-yard field goal misses giving Alabama the ball at the 19-yard line. 9:10 left in the third quarter.
(7:55 p.m. CT) - Alabama tacks on to its lead as Leigh Tiffin connects on a 39-yard field goal to put Alabama up 17-0. On the ensuing kick, Chad Bumphis returns the kickoff 50-yards to give State possession in Alabama territory.
(7:30 p.m. CT) - We're through one half here at Davis Wade Stadium as #3 Alabama leads Mississippi State 14-0. The story of the first half has been the Alabama defense shutting down Mississippi State's offense after State's first two drives. The Bulldogs gained just 83 yards on 24 plays in the first half. Averaging 219.2 rushing yard a game, MSU has only managed 40 yards in the opening half. The Crimson Tide offense has run 34 plays and have gained 234 yards.
State's interception in the first quarter was the lone turnover of the first half for either team. State is 0-5 on third downs and failed to convert on a fourth-down play in Alabama territory.
(7:05 p.m. CT) - After another Mississippi State stalled drive, Alabama takes the ball 72 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown to take a 14-0 lead. Mark Ingram scored for UA from 1-yard out. Alabama converted on a third-and-seven play in Mississipp State territory to extend the drive. With 4:41 left in the first half, UA 14, Mississippi State 0.
(6:48 p.m. CT) - Alabama cracks the scoreboard first as quarterback Greg McElroy hits Darius Hanks for a 45-yard touchdown pass. The drive went 80 yards on six plays in 2:04. It's 7-0 Alabama with 12:48 left in the opening half.
(6:41 p.m. CT) - We've reached the end of the first quarter and we are still scoreless. Alabama has a first down at their own 45-yard line. Mississippi State has gained 83 yards on 14 offensive plays while Alabama has 70 total yards on 15 plays. Anthony Dixon has rushed five times for 26 yards and already has three receptions for 19 yards. UA's Mark Ingram has also carried the ball five times and has 29 yards. Both quarterbacks are 4-6 passing thus far.
(6:37 p.m. CT) - On it's second possession of the game, Alabama stalls out as they fail to convert on a fourth-down play in Bulldog territory.
(6:29 p.m. CT) - After Mississippi State puts together a drive of 46 yards on seven plays, Alabama picks off a Tyson Lee pass on the UA 12-yard line and takes over with 5:56 left in the opening quarter.
(6:17 p.m. CT) - The Bulldogs hold Alabama to a three-and-out and force an Alabama punt. P.J. Fitzerald's punt goes 39 yards and Leon Berry fair catches at the MSU 17-yard line. It will be first down State with 10:49 remaining in the opening period.
(6:10 p.m. CT) - Mississippi State entered the field for the first time ever in black jersies. The Bulldogs proceeded to receive the opening kickoff and are were driving at the Alabama 37 but couldn't convert on a fourth down. Alabama ball with 12:18 left.
(5:30 p.m. CT) - Good evening from the Bob Hartley Memorial Press Box from Davis Wade Stadium as we get set for tonight's matchup between Mississippi State and Alabama. Coming off its lone bye week of the season, the Bulldogs enter tonight's game with a 4-5 record overall, 2-3 in SEC play. In their last outing, the Bulldogs won their second consecutive SEC road game, downing Kentucky 31-24 in Lexington. Senior running back Anthony Dixon broke a school record when he rumbled for 252 yards on 33 carries helping clinch the MSU victory.
Alabama comes into tonight's matchup ranked second in the BCS standings and third in both the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll. The Crimson Tide comes in with a 9-0 record, 6-0 in the SEC. Sophomore running back Mark Ingram paces UA on the ground, averaging 127.6 rushing yards a game.
Mississippi State has won two of the last three meetings in the series. Players are back on the field for pregame warmups as we approach the 6:02 p.m. kickoff for the prime time game on ESPN.
Week 9 - The Kentucky Game
Saturday, Oct. 24
( 9:13 p.m. CT) -After yielding some yardage as the clock was winding down, the Mississippi State defense buckled down and stopped Kentucky on its fourth-down play deep in Mississippi State territory, and was able to run the clock out to close out an exciting 31-24 victory to move to 4-5 overall and 2-3 in SEC play. Anthony Dixon broke an MSU single-game rushing record, gaining 252 yards on the ground on a career high 33 carries as he scored 2 touchdowns on the night. The Bulldogs put together, 493 total yards on the evening, a season high. Mississippi State has its bye week next week before hosting Alabama on Nov. 14.
( 8:47 p.m. CT) -Jamar Chaney makes a huge play for the Bulldogs to stop a Kentucky drive deep in MSU territory. Kentucky had the ball first and goal inside the MSU five-yard line but Chaney intercepted a Morgan Newton pass as Mississippi State takes over up seven. 9:15 left in the game. RB Anthony Dixon now has 248 rushing yards, a new single-game rushing record at MSU.
( 8:39 p.m. CT) -We've reached the end of the third quarter as Mississippi State leads Kentucky 31-24.
( 8:32 p.m. CT) -The Bulldogs go on top as Anthony Dixon rumbles three yards for his second rushing touchdown of the night. It was his 39th career rushing TD. State leads 31-24 with 0:50 left in the third quarter. State has 451 total yards on the night.
( 8:21 p.m. CT) -In just two plays, Mississippi State strikes back as Tyson Lee hits O'Neal Wilder for a 67-yard touchdown. It was the second longest passing touchdown this season for State and marked Wilder's first career touchdown reception. With 5:50, We're tied again at 24-24.
( 8:16 p.m. CT) -Kentucky marches 65 yards in eight plays to take a 24-17 lead as Randall Cobb scores from three yards out. 7:48 left in the third quarter.
( 8:01 p.m. CT) -On Kentucky's first drive of the half, Charles Mitchell forces a fumble that Jamar Chaney recovers to give State the ball at the UK 49. On the ensuing drive, the Bulldogs go 49 yards in six plays and tie the game on a Christian Ducre 2-yard TD run. A side note that Anthony Dixon has a season-high 157 rushing yards on 23 carries. 11:48 left in the third quarter and it's 17-17.
( 7:16 p.m. CT) - Mississippi State gets right back into the game as Anthony Dixon scores from 1-yard out. The touchdown was set up by a 52-yard run by Chris Relf. Two plays later, Dixon capitalized. The drive went 62 yards in four plays to close the gap to 14-10. 3:43 left until halftime.
( 7:09 p.m. CT) - Kentucky takes advantage of Tyson Lee's second interception of the night scoring on a Morgan Newton 11-yard TD run. The Wildcats went 41 yards in eight plays in 4:05 to take the 14-3 lead. 5:16 left until halftime.
( 6:54 p.m. CT) - On a fourth-and-one play from the UK 1-yard line, Mississippi State fails to convert as Tyson Lee's pass is intercepted by Sam Maxwell in the endzone. UK takes over.
( 6:49 p.m. CT) - We're at the end of the first quarter as UK leads MSU 7-3. However, Mississippi State has driven deep into Kentucky territory and have the ball at the UK 10-yard line. State has 144 total yards while UK has 77. The Bulldogs have racked up eight first downs to UK's four.
( 6:47 p.m. CT) - Kentucky answers right back on a 7-play drive for 59 yards and capitalizes with a Derrick Locke 10-yard TD run. It's 7-3 Kentucky closing in on the end of the first quarter.
( 6:34 p.m. CT) - After a Kentucky fumble, Mississippi State drives 48 yards in six plays and gets on the scoreboard on a Derek DePasquale 33-yard field goal. State takes the 3-0 lead with 4:23 left in the opening quarter. State has already racked up 94 yards while Kentucky has just 18 on its two possessions.
( 6:24 p.m. CT) - Both teams have failed to move the ball far on the first three possessions of the game. State has run 12 plays for 46 yards while Kentucky was held to a three-and-out on their first possession. UK has taken over at the MSU 48-yard line and will have it first down with 7:24 left in the first period.
( 6:05 p.m. CT) - Kentucky won the toss and defers to the second half. Mississippi State will receive to open the game.
( 5:45 p.m. CT) - Good evening from Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky. as we get set for tonight's SEC gridiron matchup between Mississippi State and Kentucky. The Bulldogs (3-5, 1-3 SEC) come in having won its last two road games. Kentucky is 4-3 overall with a 1-3 conference mark. Tonight's matchup will be the 37th between the two programs with UK holding a 21-15 advantage. The Wildcats are 13-5 against State in Lexington. Both teams are concluding their pregame warmups in preperation of the 6 p.m. CT start. Captains for Mississippi State will be Brandon McRae, Tyson Lee, Jamar Chaney and Charles Burns.
Week 8 - The Florida Game
Saturday, Oct. 24
( 9:47 p.m.) - After some internet touble and a wild fourth quarter, the game comes to an end as Florida hangs on for a 29-19 victory over Mississippi State. The final scoring came on interception returns for touchdowns by both teams. Dustin Doe gave UF a 29-13 lead with an interception return while State's Johnthan Banks became the first State player ever to return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game. Florida gained 376 total yards while MSU had 237. Perhaps the biggest stat in Florida's favor is Anthony Dixon's 53 yards which snapped a string of five consecutive 100-yard games. Mississippi State now moves on preparing to face Kentucky in Lexington next weekend at 6 p.m. That came will be televised by Fox Sports Net.
( 9:07 p.m.) - After Mississippi State failed on a fake punt in their own territory, Florida takes advantage when Chris Rainey runs it in from eight yards out to give Florida a 22-13 advantage. The extra point was missed. 8:37 left in the game.
( 8:49 p.m.) - We are at the end of the third quarter with Florida leading 16-13. The only offensive touchdown of the game for either team was Tim Tebow's 26-yard run in the first half. UF has kicked 3 field goals while State's DePasquale has added two field goals on top of Banks' interception return.
( 7:30 p.m.) - Florida adds to its lead with a 21-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis. The Gators move 69 yards in 10 plays in 4:33 to take a 13-3 lead. 7:00 left in the opening half.
( 7:15 p.m.) - Florida takes the lead with 13:16 left in the second quarter. The Gators drive 67 yards in nine plays and score on a 26-yard Tim Tebow TD scamper. With 13:08 left in the opening half, its Florida 10, Mississippi State 3.
( 7:10 p.m.) - At the end of the first quarter, we're tied 3-3. Florida has the ball and is driving at the MSU 26 yard line.
( 6:59 p.m.) - Florida answers MSU's score with three points of its own. The Gators drove 68 yards on 10 plays in 5:22 to even the contest. The scoring play was a 20-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis. 3:36 left in the opening quarter.
( 6:49 p.m.) - The Bulldogs go 54 yards in 10 plays and take a 3-0 lead over the Gators on a Derek DePasquale 43-yard field goal. 9:05 left in the first quarter.
( 6:40 p.m.) - Mississippi State's drive stalls after Florida's A.J. Jones intercpets a Tyson Lee pass and UF takes over on the MSU 46. However Florida would fail to convert as they missed on a 36-yard field goal and MSU takes over. 11:16 left in the first quarter.
( 6:32 p.m.) - It's time for kickoff as Mississippi State wins the toss and elects to receive. The Bulldogs will start at its own 31.
( 6:00 p.m.) - A warm hello from the Bob Hartley Press Box at Davis Wade Stadium for tonight's showdown between Mississippi State and top-ranked Florida. The Bulldogs and Gators are currently going through pregame warmups in preperation for the 6:31 p.m. kickoff. Tonight's meeting will be the 53rd meeting between the two schools with Florida holding a 32-18-2 advantage. However Mississippi State is 7-3 against the Gators in Starkville and have won the last four dating back to 1986. Tonight marks the first time State has ever hosted the country's #1 ranked team in Starkville and only the third time that State has faced a #1 team.
Week 7 - The Middle Tennessee Game
Saturday, Oct. 17
( 2:42 p.m.) - Your final score from Murfreesboro, Mississippi State 27, Middle Tennessee 6. The Bulldogs move to 3-4 overall on the year while they stand at 1-2 in SEC play. MSU had 333 total yards on the afternoon while limiting the Blue Raiders to just two field goals. Mississippi State moves to 4-0 all time against MTSU. The Bulldogs will now prepare for a 6:30 p.m. meeting with top-ranked Florida next week.
( 2:04 p.m.) - Just over 12 minutes remaining in the game with the game still at 20-6. MTSU has the ball on its own 26.
( 1:40 p.m.) - Mississippi State takes a 20-6 lead on a DePasquale 36-yard field goal. The Bulldogs went 35 yards in eight plays on the scoring drive. Tyson Lee is now 10-14 passing for 108 yards while Dixon continues to pace the Bulldogs on the ground with 114 yards.3:30 left in the third quarter as MTSU takes over.
( 1:20 p.m.) - The second half is underway with Mississippi State sustaining a nice drive but failed to convert on a fourth and one play. MTSU takes over on its own 29.
( 12:55 p.m.) - We have reached halftime here at Floyd Stadium with the Bulldogs leading the Blue Raiders 17-6. MTSU scored the closing points of the half as Alan Gendreau added his second field goal of the half to close the gap to 11. Mississippi State gained 182 total yards in the half, led by Anthony Dixon's 100 rushing yards on 13 carries. Tyson Lee was 6-9 through the air for 52 yards. MTSU had 167 total yards led by quarterback Dwight Dasher who was 8-13 passing for 97 yards.
( 12:43 p.m.) - Anthony Dixon puts Mississippi State up 17-3 with a 57-yard TD run which also makes him Mississippi State's all-time leading rusher. Dixon surpasses former Bulldog Jerious Norwood who held the record with 3212 rushing yards.
( 12:34 p.m.) - MTSU cuts into the MSU lead with an 18-yard field goal from Alan Gendreau. The MTSU drive went 62 yards in 12 plays in 4:34. With 7:10 left in the opening half, its MSU 10, MTSU 3.
( 12:27 p.m.) - Mississippi State adds on to its lead with a 24-yard field goal from Derek DePasquale. With 11:34 left in the opening half, MSU leads 10-0.Mississippi State has 122 total yards while MTSU currently has 56.
( 12:18 p.m.) - We've reached the end of the first quarter with Mississippi State leading Middle Tennessee 7-0. Mississippi State will have the ball to begin the second period after Middle Tennessee roughed the punter. The last play of the first quarter was a 19-yard connection from Lee to Arnil Stallworth. State has the ball on the MTSU 17.
( 11:58 a.m.) - Tyson Lee puts Mississippi State on top 7-0 on a 39-yard scamper to the endzone. Lee's run was the longest of his career and his second rushing touchdown this season. It marked the third rushing touchdown of his career. The drive went 2 plays for 44 yards in 26 seconds. 5:31 left in the first quarter.
( 11:50 a.m.) - Each team has stalled on its first two drives of the game. Mississippi State has gained two first downs while Middle Tennessee has yet to gain one. Bulldog Devin Jones has recorded his first career sack forcing an MTSU punt. MTSU now has possession at its own at its own 5-yard line after a downed Heath Hutchins punt.
( 11:31 a.m.) - We are set for kickoff here at Floyd Stadium at Middle Tennessee. Mississippi State won the opening coin toss and will kick to MTSU to start the game. Mississippi State is 3-0 all time against MTSU and is playing in Murfreesboro for the first time.
Saturday, Oct. 10
( 2:38 p.m.) - Mississippi State scores a late touchdown but fails to capture the on-side kick and Houston kneels to run out the clock and close out a 31-24 win. That will do it from Davis Wade Stadium. MSU travels to Murfreesboro, Tenn., next week to take on Middle Tennessee State in an 11:30 game.
( 2:21 p.m.) - After a Mississippi State fumble, Houston drives and scores a touchdown on an 18-yard TD pass from Keenum to Tyron Carrier. With 4:14 left, Houston leads Mississippi State 31-17.
( 2:10 p.m.) - Houston has climed on top 24-17 after a three-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum to James Cleveland. The Bulldogs will get the ball back with 6:23 left in the game.
( 1:49 p.m.) - At the end of the third quarter, we are still tied 17-17. Houston drove deep in MSU territory after an MSU fumble but Case Keenum threw his second interception of the day as Jamar Chaney made his first career pick. Houston to punt to MSU to start the fourth quarter.
( 1:34 p.m.) - Houston evens the score with a 24-yard field goal. With 6:39 left in the third quarter, It's 17-17.
( 12:56 p.m.) - At the end of the first half, Mississippi State leads Houston 17-14. Deep in Mississippi State territory, Houston failed to capitalize on a 29-yard field goal as MSU's Fletcher Cox broke through to block the kick. Mississippi State drove to the Houston 35-yard line but missed a 51-yard field goal attempt to end the half.
( 12:45 p.m.) - Mississippi State goes back on top after a Derek DePasquale 35-yard field goal. Mississippi State takes a 17-14 lead. Houston has the ball with 2:22 left in the opening half.
( 12:33 p.m.) - Houston drives 66 yards in six plays in 1:20 and scores a touchdown on a 16-yard pass from Case Keenum to Tyron Carrier. It's now 14-14 with 7:53 left until halftime.
( 12:25 p.m.) - The Bulldogs go back in front on a 50-yard TD run by Anthony Dixon. The impressive part of the run was Dixon carried Houston defenders 20 yards into the endzone. The scoring drive was four plays for 76 yards in 1:32. With 9:23 left in the first half, State leads Houston 14-7.
( 12:08 a.m.) - Houston strikes back quickly to tie the game at 7-7. The Cougars went 62 yards in seven plays in 2:20. UH QB Case Keenum converted on two big third-down plays and tied the game with a five-yard TD pass to WR James Cleveland. With 1:54 left in the first quarter, we're tied 7-7.
( 11:58 a.m.) - After both teams failed to do anything on their first posessions, Houston's drive was stopped as Mississippi State's Charles Mitchell intercepted Case Keenum's pass and went 71 yards for a touchdown to put Mississippi State up a touchdown. It was the second time this season that State has returned an interception for a touchdown. It was also MSU's fourth non-offensive touchdown this season.
( 11:41 a.m.) - Houston starts the game on offense, driving to the Mississippi State 28-yard line before turning the ball over on downs after failing to convert on a fourth-down play. Mississippi State takes over on its 28.
( 11:12 a.m.) - Good morning from the Bob Hartley Press Box at Davis Wade Stadium for today's game between the Houston Cougars and Mississippi State. The teams are concluding their pregame warmups and soon the Famous Maroon Band will take the field for its pregame performance. Houston enters today's game with a 3-1 overall record after dropping their first game of the season last week at UTEP. Houston ranks first in the NCAA in passing yards a game, averaging 446 passing yards a game. Mississippi State will rely on its solid ground game which ranks fourth in the SEC.
Week 5 - The Georgia Tech Game
Saturday, Oct. 3
( 9:58 p.m.) - Mississippi State tried to sustain one final push in the final minutes but stalled after Tyson Lee had a pass intercepted on third down. Georgia Tech then ran the clock out on the next play. With the loss, State falls to 2-3 overall this season. The Bulldogs were able to rack up 487 total yards, the most since gaining 501 against Arkansas in 2007. MSU returns home next weekend for homecoming against the Houston Cougars.
( 9:43 p.m.) - Mississippi State scores again to cut it to 42-31. The scoring play was a Christian Ducre 4-yard run, the first this season for him.
( 9:25 p.m.) - Georgia Tech responds with a touchdown hightlighted by a 53-yard pass play on a second and long. The scoring play was a three-yard rush by Anthony Allen. With 7:05 left in the game, Georgia Tech leads Mississippi State 42-24.
(9:15 p.m.) - Mississippi State inches closer on a 69-yard TD connection from Tyson Lee to Chad Bumphis. It was a career long for Lee and for Bumphis. Bumphis now has 108 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the evening. With 9:42 left, MSU trails 35-24.
( 8:59 p.m.) - We are at the end of the third quarter with Georgia Tech leading Mississippi State 35-17. Mississippi State put together a great drive, but Anthony Dixon fumbled on the Georgia Tech 1-yard line. Georgia Tech has driven the ball to its own 48 and will have a first down play to begin the fourth quarter.
( 8:44 p.m.) - Georgia Tech strikes first in the second half, driving 90 yards in 10 plays in 5:16 to take a 35-17 lead. The scoring play was a 23 yard pass from Josh Nesbitt to Demaryius Thomas. There is 9:32 left in the third quarter.
( 8:22 p.m.) - We are through the first half here at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State ends the half on a positive note, converting on a 31-yard field goal by Derek DePasquale. The field goal was set up by a fake 42-yard FG which gave MSU a first down at the GT 21. Some first half stats: Georgia Tech has 11 first downs while MSU has 12. Total yards: MSU 211, GT 256. The biggest difference came in the turnover game where Mississippi State had four fumbles including three lost which one was returned 40 yards for a touchdown. Anthony Dixon has 16 carries for 103 yards at the half. Chad Bumphis led MSU receivers with two receptions for 32 yards.
( 7:51 p.m.) - Georgia Tech drives to the MSU 1-yard line and fumbles into the endzone for an MSU touchback. After two first downs for Mississippi State, Anthony Dixon fumbles and GT returns it 40 yards for a touchdown. Georgia Tech now leads 28-14 with 1:40 left in the first half.
( 7:45 p.m.) - Mississippi State bounces right back with a touchdown on a 7-play, 68-yard drive in 2:14. The scoring play was a 10-yard rush by Chad Bumphis on a reverse to cut the lead to 21-14.
( 7:36 p.m.) - Another Mississippi State fumble leads to seven points for Georgia Tech. Tech scores on a Roddy White 5-yard run. With 8:23 left in the half, its Georgia Tech 21, Mississippi State 7.
( 7:15 p.m.) - Georgia Tech strikes again going 75 yards on 12 plays making it 14-0 on a Johnathan Dwyer 2-yard run. However, Mississippi State gets right back in it on a 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Leon Berry to cut the lead to seven. It was State's first KO return for TD since Fred Reid went 100-yards against Memphis in 2003. We are now at the end of the first quarter with Georgia Tech leading 14-7.
(7:00 p.m.) - A nice drive by Mississippi State but they can't convert as Sean Brauchle missed on a 42-yard field goal. Georgia Tech takes over and has taken the ball to the MSU 28.
(6:35 p.m.) - Mississippi State has won the opening toss and has elected to receive. Captains for MSU were Jamar Chaney, Pernell McPhee, Tyson Lee and Derek Sherrod. MSU will start on offense.
(6:08 p.m.) - Good evening from the Bob Hartley Memorial Press Box at Davis Wade Stadium for tonight's matchup between Mississippi State and 25th-ranked Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets are meeting for just the fourth time and the first time in Starkville. Mississippi State will be looking to revenge a 38-7 loss to Georgia Tech last season. The Famous Maroon Band is entering the field as we approach the 6:35 p.m. CT kick. Stay tuned!
Week 4 - The LSU Game
Saturday, Sept. 26
(3:00 p.m.) - It's a final from Starkville. LSU edges out MSU 30-26. The Bulldogs had a great chance in the end but LSU stopped them on the goal line when it mattered. State falls to 2-2 overall while LSU moves to 4-0. Mississippi State returns home next weekend to face Georgia Tech at 6:30 p.m.
(2:50 p.m.) - After driving to the LSU 1-yard line, LSU denies State for four straight plays and gets the ball back on their own 1. 1:04 remaining with LSU leading 30-24.
(2:20 p.m.) - MSU puts a nice drive together and gets three points on a Sean Brauchle field goal to close the LSU lead to 30-24. LSU stalled on offense and punted to MSU. State now has it on its own 20.
(2:01 p.m.) - LSU strikes back with a 93-yard punt return by Chad Jones for a touchdown. Its now 30-21 LSU leads.
(1:49 p.m.) - Big turnaround! Mississippi State drives 73 yards on six plays in 2:39 to score a touchdown. The scoring play was a 50-yard scramble and pass from Tyson Lee to Marcus Green. That cut the lead to 23-21. On the ensuing drive, LSU drove to the MSU 2-yard line but stalled and missed a 19-yard field goal. Mississippi State ball at its own 30 with 2:46 left in the third. LSU 23, MSU 21.
(1:25 p.m.) - Just like the first half, LSU gets off to a fast start. On its first offensive play of the half, Jordan Jefferson hits Brandon LaFell for a 58-yard touchdown pass. With 13:30 left in the third quarter, LSU now leads 23-14.
(1:25 p.m.) - Just like the first half, LSU gets off to a fast start. On its first offensive play of the half, Jordan Jefferson hits Brandon LaFell for a 58-yard touchdown pass. With 13:30 left in the third quarter, LSU now leads 23-14.
(1:19 p.m.) - The second half is under way, with Mississippi State receiving the kickoff. Leon Berry returned it to the MSU 35 to start.
(12:54 p.m.) - Mississippi State puts together a nice drive at the end of the second quarter but fail to convert. They had a 44-yard field goal opportunity but a bad snap gave the ball to LSU on downs. LSU kneeled to run out the 5 seconds left in the half. At halftime, its #7 LSU 16, MSU 14.
(12:35 p.m.) - After a Mississippi State fumble on its own 25-yard line, LSU scores on a 22-yard field goal. With 5:34 left in the first half, LSU now leads 16-14.
(12:23 p.m.) - Mississippi State forces an LSU punt but gives it right back to the Tigers after a Tyson Lee interception. He tried to connect with O'Neal Wilder downfield but the ball was underthrown and intercepted by Chris Hawkins at the LSU 20.
(12:12 p.m.) - The first quarter of play is complete at Davis Wade Stadium with MSU holding a 14-13 advantage. Some notes from the first half. With Dixon's two touchdowns, he is now MSU's all time leading scorer with 222 career points. Some stats from the first period: Total yds-MSU 70, LSU 50. MSU has rushed for 25 rushing yards while holding LSU to -5. State held the ball for 7:48 while LSU had it for 7:12. LSU is driving after a first down and has the ball on its own 21.
(12:07 p.m.) - After LSU mishandles a punt, Mississippi State takes the ball over on the LSU 1-yard line. The next play, Dixon rushes for the touchdown and Brauchle's extra points gives MSU a 14-13 lead with 38 second left in the first quarter.
(11:50 p.m.) - LSU responds right back with a touchdown drive of its own. The big play was a 39-yard connection from Jordan Jefferson to Terrance Toliver. The scoring play was a four-yard pass from Jefferson to Brandon LaFell. LSU now leads 13-7 with 3:30 left in the first quarter.
(11:41 p.m.) - Mississippi State responds with a 9-play, 66-yard touchdown drive in 5:27 to take a 7-6 lead. The scoring play was a 2-yard option run by Anthony Dixon. It was Dixon's 32 rushing touchdown of his career. With 7:14 left, MSU 7, LSU 6
(11:30 p.m.) - After holding LSU to a 3-and-out on its first drive, Tyson Lee is picked off by Patrick Peterson of LSU who returns it 37 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers fail on the extra point. With 12:41 left in the first quarter, LSU 6, MSU 0
(11:14 p.m.) - It's gametime at Mississippi State! Despite heavy rains throughout the morning, the game will still begin at 11:21 a.m. Both teams have been through an abbreviated warmup and are minutes away from entering the playing field for action. The rain should soon end and we should be under way shortly.
Week 3 - The Vanderbilt Game
Saturday, Sept. 19
(9:41 p.m.) - Well, its a final from Vanderbilty Stadium. Mississippi State has defeated Vanderbilt 15-3. Before a crowd of 31,840, State snapped a six-game SEC road losing skid with the win. Anthony Dixon finished with 123 yards on 21 carries, while Christian Ducre had 65 yards on nine carries. Dixon moved into third place on the all-time MSU rushing-yardage list and now has 2,818 career rushing yards. State moves to 2-1 overall and is 1-1 in SEC play. The Bulldogs return home for the next three weeks to face LSU, Georgia Tech and Houston. Thanks for following and hope to see you at Davis Wade Stadium or the blog next Saturday for the 11:21 kickoff against the Tigers!
(9:00 p.m.) - On a nice drive by Mississippi State, Tyson Lee runs it in from 22-yards out to give MSU a 15-3 lead with 3:20 left. The two-point conversion failed.
(8:23 p.m.) - Vanderbilt fumbles a punt, recovered by MSU's Jamie Jones. On the ensuing drive, the Bulldogs go just four plays, but add another 3 points on a 49-yard field goal by Sean Brauchle. With 59 seconds left in the third quarter, MSU leads 9-3.
(8:11 p.m.) - Playing a punting game right now as both teams are going back and forth with defensive stands. Interesting stat from the first half-The MSU defense gave up just one first down to Vanderbilt in the first half, the lowest total in the first half of a game since the Auburn game in 2000 when State did not give up a first down in the first half. With 5:08 left in the third quarter-MSU 6, VU 3.
(7:31 p.m.) - At the half, Mississippi State leads Vanderbilt 6-3. An old-fashion game with defense dominating play. Actually, MSU has sustained some nice drives, putting together 172 total yards but have not been able to push it into the endzone. The MSU D has played well, limiting Vandy to 33 total yards in the first half. Vanderbilt will have ball possession to begin the second half.
(7:21 p.m.) - Mississippi State drives 52 yards in 11 plays in 4:55 and capitolizes with a Sean Brauchle 27-yard field goal to take a 6-3 lead with 2:14 left in the first half. Total yards at this point, MSU 155, VU 27.
(6:46 p.m.) - After a Mississippi State fumble on its own 5-yard line, The Bulldog defense stops the Commodore offense and forces a field goal. With 11:28 left until halftime, we are now tied 3-3.
(6:40 p.m.) - At the end of one quarter, the game is still knotted at 0-0. State has a fourth and four at the VU 27 yard line. Sean Brauchle was to attempt a field goal before the first-quarter clock ran out. The Bulldogs have 103 net yards to Vanderbilt's 22.
(6:25 p.m.) - With 7:09 left in the first quarter, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt are still tied 0-0. Both teams have stalled on each of their first two drives. Most of play so far has taken place in MSU territory as State currently will start its third drive of the game on its own 5-yard line. Both teams have just one first down each. A couple of other notes: Brandon Heavens, Chris Smith and Wade Bonner all earned their first career starts.
(5:45 p.m.) - Hello from Vanderbilt Stadium on the campus of Vanderbilt University for tonight's game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores. We are about 15 minutes away from the opening kick on a rainy and overcast evening in Nashville. The Bulldogs are currently finishing their pregame warmups and are supporting white jerseys, maroon pants and maroon helments. A few notes regarding the matchup. Today's meeting marks the 21st between MSU and VU with State holding an 11-7-2 advantage. In Nashville, Vanderbilt leads the series 5-4-2.
We'll try to give you the best coverage possible today from the Music City. Hope you enjoy!
Week 2 - The Auburn Game
Saturday, Sept. 12
(9:36 p.m.) - A Final from Jordan-Hare Stadium: Auburn 49, Mississippi State 24. Auburn scors 21 second-half points to pull away from the Bulldogs in the third quarter. Auburn goes for 589 total yards in the winning effort. 85,269 watched the affair. State now turns its attention to a road trip to Nashville next weekend and a meeting with Vanderbilt.
(9:14 p.m.) - Kodi Burns adds seven more points to the Auburn total with a 1-yard TD run. It's now a 49-24 Auburn lead.
(9:00 p.m.) - Mississippi State responds with a 10-play, 57 yard drive to make it 42-24. The scoring play was a one-yard Relf pass to Christian Ducre.
(8:45 p.m.) - Auburn goes up 42-17 on a 35 yard TD run by RB Ben Tate. Tate has 132 yards rushing on the day.
(8:40 p.m.) - Auburn extends its lead to 35-17 with 3:52 left in the third quarter on a 7-play, 81-yard drive. The scoring play was 13-yard pass and catch.
(8:23 p.m.) - Auburn stalled on its first three plays of the drive but faked a punt and earned a first down in Mississippi State territory. The Tigers then were forced to punt three plays later. MSU ball at its own 13 with 9:01 left in the third.
(8:13 p.m.) - Mississippi State does no damage on the first drive of the second half. Heath Hutchens punts 49 yards to the Auburn 18. The Tigers will take over from there.
(7:55 p.m.) - We are at the half here at Jordan-Hare Stadium with Auburn leading Mississippi State 28-17. After dominating the first quarter, Auburn held a 14-0 advantage 15 minutes in. However, State would respond with 17 unanswered points in the second quarter highlighted by a punt block that was returned for a touchdown. It was the first time since 2001 that Mississippi State has returned a block punt for a touchdown. Late in the second, AU would swing the momentum once again and score twice in the final 3:08 to take the 11-point lead into the half. Some highlights of the first half are below.
- Auburn already has 314 total yards to MSU's 171.
- RB Anthony Dixon is leading the Bulldog offensive attack with 68 yards on 15 carries.
- Tyson Lee has completed four of six passes for 46 yards
- Leon Berry is State's leading receiver with 3 catches for 28 yards.
- Charles Mitchell and K.J. Wright are the leading tacklers for State with five each.
Mississippi State will have ball possession first in the second half.
(7:43 p.m.) - Auburn has turned the momentum back in their favor after an 8-play, 78-yard scoring drive in just 1:19. The Tigers scored on a Kodi Burns 1-yard run. State now has the ball with just 10 seconds left before the half. Auburn leads 28-17.
(7:30 p.m.) - Five plays later, Auburn drives 80 yards and scores in 1:36 on an Onterio McCalebb 48-yard touchdown run. Auburn now leads 21-17 with 3:01 left in the first half.
(7:26 p.m.) - After an Auburn 3-and-out the Tigers were set to punt. That was until Patrick Hanrahan broke through and blocked the punt and Robert Elliott scooped it up and rumbled for a touchdown to give MSU a 17-14 lead. Auburn is now driving at their own 48 yard line with 3:56 left in the half. MSU 17, AU 14.
(7:10 p.m.) - The Bulldogs drive to the Auburn 10 but get pushed back with a holding penalty. State reached the 13 and settled for a Sean Brauchle 29-yard field goal. Auburn now leads 14-10 with 7:20 left until halftime.
(7:06 p.m.) - The Tigers go 3-and-out and punt to Mississippi State. AU's punt covered 27 yards to give State the ball at the 50. State has gained a first down and is driving.
(7:02 p.m.) - The Bulldogs are on the board with a touchdown! State put together an impressive drive that went 83 yards on 12 plays which took 5:16. The key play on the drive was a 20 yard pass completion from Tyson Lee to Brandon McRae on a third and 13. The Bulldogs then utilized Dixon as he scored on a run from one-yard out on fourth down. Sean Brauchle added the extra point. With 12:05 left in the first half, AU 14, MSU 7.
(6:49 p.m.) - We have completed one quarter of play and Auburn leads Mississippi State 14-0. Auburn has outgained MSU 136-72 in total yards. Auburn RB Mario Fannin is AU's leading rusher with 49 yards on three carries. MSU's Anthony Dixon has 44 rushing yards on six carries and has helped MSU reach the Auburn 35 yard line on its current drive.
(6:43 p.m.) - Auburn pins MSU at their own 1-yard-line on a Clinton Durst 45-yard punt. After State gained a first down and moved it out to their own 15 yard line, Auburn's Antonio Coleman returns a Chris Relf interception 20 yards for a touchdown. So far, most of the action has taken place on the MSU side of the field and Auburn has taken advantage. Auburn now leads 14-0 with 2:21 left in the first quarter.
(6:33 p.m.) - The Bulldogs go 3-and-out again and punt to Auburn. Auburn takes over on its own 27 again.
(6:26 p.m.) - The Tigers are on the scoreboard first after an 8-play, 73 yard drive in 3:11. Kodi Burns capitalized with a 1-yard TD run. Auburn has already gained 109 yards while State has just 14. Auburn to kick to Mississippi State. AU 7, MSU 0. 8:13 left in the first quarter.
(6:16 p.m.) - State goes 3-and-out on its first possession. Heath Hutchen's punt covers 44 yards and Auburn will start its second possession on its own 27 yard line.
(6:11 p.m.) - We are under way at Jordan-Hare. Auburn took the opening kick and drove into MSU territory before punting to the Bulldogs. The punt carried into the end-zone and State took possession at its own 20.
(5:34 p.m.) - Live from Jordan-Hare Stadium on the campus of Auburn University, welcome to the Mississippi State blog spot. Stay tuned throughout the game for updates on the game as well as big news and notes. At the moment, both Mississippi State and Auburn are conducting their pre-game drills getting set for the 6 p.m. CT kick.
Week 2 - The Auburn Game
Saturday, Sept. 12
(9:36 p.m.) - A Final from Jordan-Hare Stadium: Auburn 49, Mississippi State 24. Auburn scors 21 second-half points to pull away from the Bulldogs in the third quarter. Auburn goes for 589 total yards in the winning effort. 85,269 watched the affair. State now turns its attention to a road trip to Nashville next weekend and a meeting with Vanderbilt.
Week 1 - The Jackson State Game
Saturday, Sept. 5
(2:16 p.m.) - Mississippi State and Jackson State are set to meet for the first time ever. It also will mark the first time a Southeastern Conference team will face a Southwestern Athletic team. Both teams have finished warmups and pregame activities have begun. After a few presentations and recognitions, the Famous Maroon Band will take the field.
(2:43 p.m.) - Just as Mississippi State and Jackson State entered the field to get set for kickoff, the skies opened up and teams were sent back to their locker rooms due to rain and lightning. Still awaiting both teams to return to the playing field.
(3:03 p.m.) - Both teams have re-entered the field and have begun a five-minute warmup before the opening kick. Mississippi State will receive.
(3:14 p.m.) - After a 6-play, 15-yard drive, Mississippi State turned the ball over on a fumble giving Jackson State possession at the JSU 37-yard line.
(3:17 p.m.) - While Jackson State was in punting formation, a bad snap gave Mississippi State possession at the JSU 24-yard line.
(3:23 p.m.) - Mississippi State knocks it in the enzone on a 4-play, 37-yard drive. The scoring play was a 15-yard screen pass from Chris Relf to freshman Chad Bumphis. It was Relf's first career TD pass and Bumphis' first collegiate touchdown. Sean Brauchle converted on the PAT. MSU 7, JSU 0
(3:29 p.m.) - JSU goes 3-and-out on their next possession, followed by another bad snap on the punt. MSU takes over at the JSU 22 yard line.
(3:34 p.m.) - Mississippi State stalls out on the drive and misses on a 39-yard field goal attempt. JSU takes over on its own 21.
(3:42 p.m.) - Mississippi State recovers a JSU fumble at the MSU 36.
(3:51 p.m.) - At the end of the first quarter, MSU 7, JSU 0.
(3:54 p.m.) - Mississippi State fails to convert once again, missing a 32-yard field goal. JSU will take over on their own 20 yard line.
(4:04 p.m.) - After a Jackson State punt, Mississippi State fumbles on its first play of the drive. JSU ball on the MSU 44.
(4:10 p.m.) - Jackson State stalls and punts to the MSU 10 yard line. State has a first down, out to the MSU 20.
(4:15 p.m.) - MSU punts again as Heath Hutchen's punt goes 42 yards to the JSU 30.
(4:22 p.m.) - JSU stalls in MSU territory and punts to the MSU 21. First down Mississippi State.
(4:31 p.m.) - Mississippi State capitalizes on a 12-play, 71 yeard drive as Chris Relf ran for 5-yard TD to put MSU up 14-0. Brauchle made the PAT.
(4:39 p.m.) - HALFTIME - At the half, Mississippi State leads Jackson State 14-0. Mississippi State has racked up 14 first downs while limiting JSU to 2. MSU has 210 total yards while the Bulldog defense has held the JSU offense to just 73 yards. Penalties and turnovers played a big part in the first half as State turned it over twice on fumbles and was penalized six times for 35 yards. JSU lost possession once on a fumble and was flagged five times for 25 yards. Bulldog quarterback Tyson Lee was 8-13 through the air for 82 yards while Chris Relf completed 2-3 passes for 11 yards. Relf also rushed eight times for 45 yards and is the leading rusher for State at the half.
(4:59 p.m.) - Mississippi State will kick to Jackson State to start the second half.
(5:03 p.m.) - Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell picks off a JSU pass and MSU scores three plays later on Robert Elliott's second career rushing touchdown. The scoring play was from seven yards out. MSU 21, JSU 0
(5:21 p.m.) - After a JSU fumble in their own territory, State converts on a 19 yard passing touchdown from Relf to tight end Marcus Green. The drive went for 3 plays for 34 yards and took 1:12 off the clock. It was Green's first career touchdown reception.
(5:30 p.m.) - Mississippi State has pushed the lead to 35-0 after a Relf seven yard touchdown pass to freshman Chad Bumphis. It was the second time of the day the two hooked up for a TD. The drive went seven plays for 51 yards.
(5:41 p.m.) - At the end of the third quarter, MSU leads 35-0. After a JSU fumble, the Bulldogs are knocking on the door again with the ball at the JSU 10.
(5:46 p.m.) - Mississippi State pushes the lead to 38-0 after Sean Brauchle's first career field goal as a Bulldog. 13:47 left in the fourth quarter.
(6:00 p.m.) - Jackson State's Terrence Davis puts the Tigers on the board with a 16-yard TD rush. The original extra point was blocked and returned the length of the field by MSU but it was called back for a defensive offsides. JSU made the ensuing kick to make it 38-7. 8:21 left on the clock.
(6:17 p.m.) - With 3:34 left on the clock, MSU's Corey Broomfield intercepted a JSU pass and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. It was Broomfield's first career interception and it gave MSU a 45-7 lead. The 45 points scored by the Bulldogs is the most since scoring 51 against Jacksonville State in 2002.
(6:41 p.m.) - Final score from Davis Wade Stadium - Mississippi State 45, Jackson State 7. Stay connected to Mstateathletics.com for extensive postgame coverage.
( 6:32 p.m.) - It's time for kickoff as Mississippi State wins the toss and elects to receive. The Bulldogs will start at its own 31.
Courtesy: Mansel Guerry
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