Top 10 games in Scott Field History: Numbers 6-10

Last Monday, Bob Carskadon announced that Mississippi State is allowing the fans to vote on the top-10 games in Scott Field history. For another week, fans can nominate games using the hashtag #HailStateVote on Twitter. After that, Mississippi State will compile the best 25, and fans can vote on the top-10 from that list.

Yesterday, I discussed some honorable mentions. Today, it's numbers 6-10.

#10 – 2007 vs MISSISSIPPI

A favored Mississippi State team beat an ole miss team winless in the SEC. It doesn't sound exciting, but that 4th quarter... Up 14-0, Coach O gambled and lost on 4th and 2, and State immediately drove and scored with Dixon diving over the goalline.  MSU's next possession ended with an interception deep in rebel territory, but State forced a punt, and you know what happened. Derek Pegues took it 75 yards to paydirt, tying the game, and later, the much-maligned Adam Carlson hit a 47-yarder to win the game 17-14. The strongest, quickest comeback I've seen.

#9 – 1999, #8 MISS. STATE vs KENTUCKY

Undefeated MSU and the nation's best defense faced the SEC's best offense - Kentucky. The Bulldogs fell behind early, 7-19, but when Madkin injured his ankle in the 3rd quarter, the comeback legend of Matt Wyatt grew again. Wyatt completed a touchdown drive (which Madkin started), cutting the deficit to two, 20-22. Westerfield missed the go-ahead FG with 4min left, but State's defense stiffened and forced a quick punt. With 1:30 left from our own 20, Wyatt completed 5/6 for 53yds and Westerfield nailed the game-winning FG with 5 seconds left, putting State on top 23-22.

#8 – 1950 vs #4 TENNESSEE

The biggest upset in Scott Field history. Led by Robert Neyland, Tennessee rolled into Starkville ranked #4 in the country. State's Norman Duplain took the opening kick back to the 45, and Bill Stewart and Hal Wallace Beech pounded the ball down the field, with Tom Rushing scoring from the 7. State's defense held the 7-0 lead the rest of the game, and Tennessee entered the red zone only once, with State forcing a turnover on downs. Tennessee went on to win the 1950 National Championship, with State as their only blemish at 11-1. As far as I know, it's the only time we've beaten a legitimate National Champion (1941 Alabama excluded).

#7 – 1996 vs #8 ALABAMA

It had been 16 years since 1980 - State's last victory over the (then #1 ranked) Crimson Tide. Alabama was in the top-10, while State was suffering through a tough season with a terrible defense, and Sherrill was in somewhat of a hot seat. Alabama took their first lead with 11 and a half minutes left in the game, at 16-14. After the kickoff, Derrick Taite passed to Reginald Kelly, who ran 69 yards, setting up Brian Hazelwood's 39-yard field goal. State's defense then stood tall, stopping Alabama on three straight possessions.

#6 – 2013 vs MISSISSIPPI

It wasn't a huge upset, and it didn't determine something major like an SEC West Title. But it was the Battle for the Golden Egg, with State's bowl game on the line. The STORIES of this game are what put it so high for me. 3rd-string QB Damian Williams battled valiantly for 3+ quarters, then injured Dak Prescott talked his way off the bench, tying the game in regulation and scoring on 4th & 2 in overtime. Finally, Nickoe Whitley, a senior playing with a torn ACL, forced a fumble to save the game. The game was great, and the stories were somehow better.

Well, there ya have it.  Tomorrow, I'll have numbers 1-5.