TAMPA — After a litany of missed opportunities, the No. 18 Mississippi State football team still had one more.
Given 2 minutes, 22 seconds to piece together the game-winning drive, the MSU offense wasn’t able to get what it needed, much like the many chances before it.
No. 18 MSU’s last-chance drive spanned 37 yards, but ended 32 yards short of the touchdown it needed in a 27-22 loss to Iowa in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
The loss ended No. 18 MSU’s season at 8-5, while Iowa improved to 9-4.
MSU senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (14-for-32 for 152 yards) started the final drive with two completions and completed two more before the end. But Fitzgerald, who threw one touchdown and two interceptions, did most of his damage on 20 carries for 103 yards and a score.
Iowa completed four passes of 15 yards or more, two of them for touchdowns, including one for 75 yards. The Hawkeyes had 20 carries for -15 yards.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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