JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When Chad Bumphis broke his collarbone in the regular-season finale against the University of Mississippi, the Mississippi State football team lost its leader in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
The Bulldogs had just completed a three-game stretch in which they had passed for an average of 220 yards per game.
Losing its top playmaker entering the Progressive Gator Bowl meant someone had to step up in Bumphis” absence.
The MSU receiving corps answered the call in MSU”s 52-14 victory.
Quarterback Chris Relf”s MVP performance included an 18-of-23 effort for 281 yards and three touchdowns. He racked up those numbers with first- and second-year receivers working for him.
Sophomore Chris Smith continued his fine late-season form — he caught 11 passes in the final three regular-season games — with a team-high four catches for 46 yards.
Classmate Arceto Clark had three catches for 45 yards and a score, including a leaping 29-yard catch at the sideline on third-and-3 in the second quarter.
The biggest surprise came from redshirt freshman Ricco Sanders, who had the first two catches of his career and gave MSU a 31-14 lead just before halftime with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Relf. The catch also came on third down.
Sixteen of MSU”s 18 catches came from sophomores or freshmen.
“Chad Bumphis is hurt and Leon Berry”s been out for the season. The young players have to step up, and they did that,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said. “We told them that as a group they all needed to step up. There was great balance amongst those guys filling the void left by Chad Bumphis.”
Freshman wideout Michael Carr, of West Point, had three catches, including a 31-yard touchdown grab — the first of his career — on fourth-and-10 in the fourth quarter. Carr had seen most of his previous action in the run game on speed sweeps.
On Saturday, he set single-game highs for catches and 65 yards. Carr endured a rough start to training camp, often dropping to a knee because he wasn”t fit. He struggled to grasp the offense and was visibly frustrated in the first week of practice.
“I”m glad that happened to me because that humbled me to get into the routine of things and learn things,” Carr said. “I had to let people know I”m for the team more than anything. That”s what happens when you start from the bottom. And when you go high, always bring yourself down and give relentless effort on every play.”
Relf honors Bell
Before MSU”s game against the University of Arkansas this season, Relf said he had a dream.
” I had a dream Nick Bell had shook my hand and told me I was gonna be OK,” he said Saturday after winning Progressive Gator Bowl MVP Trophy. “Tonight, I just felt like he was with me when I was out there making those big plays.”
Relf wore the No. 36 of his former teammate, turned in arguably his best performance of the season, passing for 281 yards and three touchdowns on 18 of 23 completions. He added 30 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Relf was the fourth player to wear the No. 36 first worn by Bell, the sophomore defensive end who passed away Nov. 2 following a five-week bout with cancer.
“Wearing Nick Bell”s jersey meant a lot to me,” Relf said.
Mullen told Relf he had a feeling he”d have his best game Saturday, noting how much more the number stood out having Relf wear it.
“I”m sure he had an angel on his shoulder right there today, winning the MVP,” Mullen said.
Bell”s mother, Linda, attended the game.
Stomach bug makes rounds with MSU
Prior to kickoff, news broke of six MSU players needing treatment for a stomach bug that caused dehydration.
Linebacker Chris White, defensive end Sean Ferguson, left tackle Derek Sherrod, center J.C. Brignone, right tackle Addison Lawrence, and wide receiver Arceto Clark were affected, but their play didn”t show it.
All three offensive linemen started and helped pave the way for 52 points and 485 yards. Clark had three catches for 45 yards and a score, while White had three-and-a-half tackles and helped limit Michigan to its second-lowest output of the season.
“Chris took an IV before the game,” MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. “With a hot day, that always concerns you. Our training staff did an amazing job getting those guys ready to go.”
Said running back LaDarius Perkins, I know a couple of people got the bug or whatever, but they hung in there and played. That”s what big-time players do.”
MSU delivers on third down
MSU”s offense had its finest performance of the season thanks to its execution on third and fourth down.
The Bulldogs had scoring drives of 79, 77, 43, 68, 80, and 88 yards, mixing the run and pass against a much-publicized porous Michigan defense.
MSU was 9 of 17 on third down and 5 of 5 on fourth down, including four touchdowns on third or fourth down.
“That”s the key to staying on the field,” Mullen said. “We”re not just a drop-back football team, so you got to stay on the field. The more times you get first downs, the more runs and play-actions you can call for big plays.”
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