STARKVILLE – Mississippi State’s losing streak in SEC play extended to 16 games in disastrous fashion in Starkville on Saturday. The Bulldogs led 38-21 with 12:29 left in the fourth quarter, but failed to keep up the pressure on defense by surrendering 24 points in the final frame and losing 45-38 in overtime.
The Bulldogs, now 4-4, 0-4 in SEC play, had a golden opportunity to secure the first conference win of the Jeff Lebby era, but now have to head back on the road after yet another loss of self-inflicted wounds.
The Bulldogs came out flat on offense. Two three-and-out drives and a missed field goal were all the team could muster on its first three offensive drives, but ended the half with 24 points from its six remaining first-half possessions. Quarterbacks Blake Shapen and Kamario Taylor combined for three touchdowns as MSU took a 24-14 lead at the break.
Texas’ defense was daunting, but the offense was anything but. One explosive play for 60 yards set up an opening drive touchdown, and a turnover on downs deep in MSU territory kick-started the drive for their second score, but Arch Manning looked shaky dealing with MSU’s defense. He saw one deep shot parried away, and another intercepted by Bulldog corner Kelley Jones.
The Longhorns came out looking to get back in the game, but two drives into MSU territory in the third quarter yielded no points. Texas even took over on another 4th down attempt gone wrong by MSU, but the Bulldog defense stepped up. Derion Gullette recorded his second sack of the night to push the visitors out of field goal range.
The Bulldog offense finally got back on the move, going into the final frame with a 31-14 lead after another long drive resulted in a Shapen touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson.
The Longhorns showed some fight with a touchdown drive. MSU found an immediate response from Davon Booth, momentarily restoring a three-score lead with a 62-yard catch and run, but the Longhorns again went down and scored a touchdown quickly.
The deep ball was finally hitting for Texas, but the final embarrassment for State came on special teams as Ryan Niblett took a punt return 78 yards to the house to tie the game with under two minutes remaining.
In the span of 11 minutes, two three-score leads evaporated for MSU.
In overtime, like Tennessee, Texas got the ball first and scored.
The Bulldogs, like against Tennesse, failed to respond. Shapen missed an open Thompson, and two false start penalties pushed the Bulldogs back before a desperation pass on 4th down came up short.
MSU is at Arkansas next Saturday.
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 34 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 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
