STARKVILLE — Even Mississippi State’s best start of the season was nowhere near enough.
The Bulldogs scored on their opening drive for just the third time this year, and more impressively, their defense forced back-to-back three-and-outs to start the game. But an ill-timed fumble returned for a Missouri touchdown completely flipped everything on its head, and the No. 23 Tigers took control from there for a 39-20 victory Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.
Davon Booth found some running room and ripped off a 33-yard gain on the first possession, and freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren was able to connect on a few play-action quick-hitters. But Kelly Akharaiyi dropped a pass in the red zone and another throw to him on the next play was broken up, forcing MSU (2-9, 0-7 Southeastern Conference) to settle for a field goal.
The defense was active early on, and Zakari Tillman sacked Missouri quarterback Brady Cook just in front of the goal line to force a punt that gave the Bulldogs the ball in plus territory. Two plays later, though, Van Buren stepped up in the pocket and Kristian Williams stripped the ball, with Daylan Carnell recovering and racing 68 yards untouched to give the Tigers (8-3, 3-3) the lead.
From there, Missouri’s offense found its rhythm, while MSU’s was its usual inconsistent self. The Tigers scored touchdowns on all three of their remaining drives in the first half, all covering at least 75 yards. Luther Burden III made an incredible catch in the back of the end zone against tight coverage from Corey Ellington, and Marcus Carroll scored twice on the ground.
The Bulldogs did manage a touchdown late in the first quarter after taking advantage of 30 yards of Missouri penalties and scoring on a play-action pass from Van Buren to Jordan Mosley. But a Booth rushing touchdown was wiped away as the second quarter wound down, and MSU ended up with just three points and trailed by 15 at the break.
Missouri controlled the ball and the clock for almost the entire second half, with two drives lasting more than eight and a half minutes. The Tigers didn’t break off many explosive running plays, but they were outstanding on third down, and like they have much of the year, the Bulldogs had a hard time getting off the field.
Takeaways
1. This team’s margin for error is incredibly small. Nearly everything needs to go right for the Bulldogs to win, and the offense and defense are rarely in sync. Missouri’s defensive touchdown changed the complexion of the game, and MSU never fully recovered. The Tigers could afford to keep the plays on the ground in the second half and took up almost nine minutes with the ball to start the third quarter before adding a field goal. The Bulldogs have not played enough complementary football to put a complete game together and against an SEC opponent.
2. Davon Booth has been the biggest bright spot in November. After 20 carries for 125 yards two weeks ago at Tennessee, Booth had another big game Saturday. He made an outstanding cutback en route to a 43-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, covering 65 yards in just two plays on that drive. Considering he arrived in the spring transfer portal window after missing out on other backs, MSU got a good one and is surely disappointed not to have him for more than one year.
3. This could be the ugliest Egg Bowl in many years. Yes, Ole Miss lost at Florida on Saturday, all but extinguishing the Rebels’ College Football Playoff hopes. But the Bulldogs are at a clear disadvantage on the offensive line against the Ole Miss pass rush, and their defense stopping Jaxson Dart and the Rebels’ receivers looks like a tall order. MSU’s season now comes down to ruining that of its biggest rival, and it’s hard to envision that happening.
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