In what turned into a wild shootout game decided by a defensive play, the Mississippi State Bulldogs snapped their Fayetteville curse when Beniquez Brown blocked a game winning field goal attempt to gain a 51-50 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday.
While that one play as an ending play would have made a game exciting enough, this game had a little bit of everything to entertain the masses.
In the first half, Mississippi State offense looked as if it could do no wrong, especially with Dak Prescott throwing the football. The Bulldogs moved up and down the field with ease, picking up 31 points in the first half to take a ten point lead into the locker room. From that spot, it looked as if Mississippi State should cruise to victory.
However, the Bulldogs played a third quarter that one can only hope is lost to the ages. Three turnovers put Arkansas back in the contest, and at one point, it looked as if the Razorbacks would roll on to victory. However, Prescott willed his squad to victory in the closing quarter. As impressive as his stats are for his career, his ability to will a team to win is just as impressive. With Prescott at the helm, it never quite feels as if Mississippi State is out of a game.
At the end of the day, should Mississippi State have won this game? It does feel like they stole a win, but does that really matter. They went on the road against a red-hot Arkansas team and won in a venue in which they had never picked up a victory. Sitting at eight wins, Mississippi State will still play for a chance of a great bowl and a ten-win season when they host Ole Miss in what should be one of the most exciting Egg Bowls in quite some time.
A few numbers...
Dak had an amazing game going 38/50 for 508 yards, five touchdowns and an interception that was not his fault. Brandon Allen tossed for over 400 yards and seven touchdowns. Folks, they were fun to watch.
Fred Ross and De'Runnya Wilson both had ten receptions, but only Ross went over 100 yards. He picked up 154 and two touchdowns. Wilson had a touchdown and 93 yards. Say hello to Brandon Holloway who had four receptions for 101 yards and a score.
Perhaps an undertalked about stat: Alex Collins only had 53 yards on 19 carries. Great job by Mississippi State limiting him.
It's Egg Bowl Week. #GTHOM
