STARKVILLE – Davis Wade Stadium got some free football on Saturday night as Mississippi State and Tennessee went to overtime. Unfortunately for the home fans, it quickly went the other way as Tennessee won 41-34 thanks to a quick score and a goalline stop.
There were several moments that will weigh on the mind of the Bulldogs, especially on offense as they spotted the visitors two scores on turnovers, and Tennessee might feel fortunate to leave with the win after trailing twice in the fourth quarter with two turnovers themselves.
The MSU offense went to the run game as its bread and butter throughout, and it paid off for them. Fluff Bothwell further established himself as the bellcow back, running for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Davon Booth was impressive too, finding the end zone and picking up some big first downs.
The Bulldogs nearly came out flat, going three-and-out on their opening possession, but a fumbled punt return gifted them a second chance in the red zone. They happily accepted and a few plays later found the end zone on a run from Fluff Bothwell.
Similar to the Arizona State game, the Bulldogs were able to move the ball well, but didn’t always capitalize. They spotted Tennessee an early touchdown as well with a pick six, and went into the locker room at halftime tied 17-17.
The back and forth continued into the second half, and the MSU defense stood tall on a few occasions to help the team out. The Vols were held to field goal attempts three times, missing one and converting two.
Jahron Manning came up with a big play on defense early in the second half, snagging an interception to set up another touchdown drive and give the Bulldogs the lead.
Up 24-20 early in the fourth, Lebby rolled the dice on a fake punt and picked up the first down. It had the chance to be their big swing of momentum, but disaster struck on the very next play as Blake Shapen took a huge hit, lost the ball and saw Tennessee defensive end Joshua Josephs rush it the other way for a touchdown.
The Bulldogs were able to answer on offense with a field goal to tie things up again, and then got another big play from their defense with Zakari Tillman snagging a tip-drill interception to set up another score off of a turnover and put the Bulldogs up 34-27.
The Vols went on a lengthy drive to pull level, and probably should have won at the end of regulation after forcing a three and out while keeping all three timeouts. They drove to midfield, but couldn’t hit on attempts at the end zone.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
