Dak Prescott’s Performance vs. Arkansas was as Gutsy as the 2013 Egg Bowl

Nov 1, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) is takled by Arkansas Razorbacks safety Rohan Gaines at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into Mississippi State’s game against Arkansas I was already convinced Dak Prescott was a great player. After the Bulldogs’ 17-10 win I am convinced he is the best player in college football. His gutsy effort in the face of physical and emotional strife was remarkable.

One might look at his stat sheet from Saturday night and suggest that while it was a career high with 331 yards, that game was actually below Prescott’s standards. Two interceptions thrown to just one touchdown pass, zero rushing touchdowns and just 61 yards on the ground on 4.7 YPC. But what I saw on the field was a gutsy effort equal to what he put on the line in the 2013 Battle for the Golden Egg.

In that win last year, also a 17-10 final score, Prescott didn’t come in until the 4th quarter with the team down 10-7. After missing two games prior, he led MSU down the field for two field goal attempts in three regulation drives. One of them tied the game, and he scored the winning touchdown on a 4th & 2 in overtime. At the time I called it Mississippi State’s “Kirk Gibson moment”.

Against Arkansas, Dak was clearly in physical pain. After hitting Josh Robinson on a 47 yard pass in the 1st quarter, he looked like a 60 year old man with a bad knee trying to catch the mail man as he ran down the field to run another play….the aftermath of the hit he took at Kentucky, and subsequent walking boot drama showing its effect. He did not have a rushing attempt until well into the 2nd quarter. Still, he managed to carry the ball 13 times for 61 yards including some key 3rd down conversions.

Then there was the emotional struggle you know had to be there. Justin talked about it on Friday – this was the weekend last year when his mother passed away.

So here it was. Physical and emotional pain while trying to beat a hungry and tough Arkansas team. It was a hard fought SEC West contest and Dak wasn’t playing at full strength.

To start the second half he led the team on two good drives, but both stalled out around the 20 yard line. One ended in a turnover on downs and the other a field goal. After Arkansas missed a 42 yard FG attempt, the Bulldogs needed to capitalize and take the lead for the first time. It was the 4th quarter and the time for stars to shine.

That’s just what Prescott did on that 69 yard touchdown pass to Fred Ross. Eluding the pressure and throwing the pass across his body to make the big play.

At the end of the day I tip my hat to the MSU defense for winning that game more than the offense. 459 total yards is nothing to balk at, but Dak did turn the ball over twice and they only scored 17 points….after scoring at least 34 points in each game this year. Geoff Collins’ group had key stop after key stop that won the game. But it was Dak’s ability to overcome adversity and his will to win that impressed me so much, and why I know he’s the best player in America.