MSU is 9-0 for the First Time in School History!

Nov 8, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Brown (5) celebrates his touchdown against UT Martin Skyhawks defensive back Walter Evans (26) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t the prettiest game Mississippi State has played all season, but it was a win. The Bulldogs defeat UT-Martin 45-16 on Homecoming weekend in Starkville.

Dak Prescott played a lot more than many expected…or perhaps wanted him to. He had 54 yards rushing, the bulk of which was a nice 48 yard touchdown run. He also added 206 yards passing, allowing him to reach 3,000 total yards for the season – a school record.

UT-Martin was fired up for the game, especially former QB Dylan Favre who played about half of the game for the Skyhawks. They played pretty well getting some defensive stops and moving the ball a little, but the Bulldogs proved to be too much. Favre 8 of 15 for 57 yards, and carried the ball six times for 1 yard (his rushing stats were distorted due to a few sacks).

Devon Bell completed a fake punt in the first half with a jump pass. He literally looked like he was taking a casual shootaround 15 foot jumper when throwing to Tolando Cleveland for the conversion.

Left Tackle Blaine Clausell caught a touchdown pass in this game (video), but it was called back because MSU lined up wrong for the play to work. It’s too bad, it was a great play. Clausell has good hands, and according to Coach Mullen he can throw the ball 70-80 yards.

Damian Williams got some playing time and hit Jamoral Graham on a fantastic 44 yard pass and catch for a touchdown. Good to see Smokey back in the game. Joe Morrow also caught a 55 yard touchdown pass from Dak. Ashton Shumpert got some action and picked up 82 yards on just 4 carries.

Defensively the Bulldogs only gave up 367 yards. The Skyhawks second touchdown was after a Damian Williams fumble that gave them the ball in the red zone to start their drive.

CB Will Redmond did not play due to a suspension relating to class attendance.  RG Justin Malone did not play due to an ongoing foot injury.

Overall, this was a pretty ‘meh’ performance by the Bulldogs. They weren’t up for it, didn’t play very physical and therefore didn’t beat UTM like they should have. They’ll be up for next week’s game I’m sure. As Jackie Sherrill used to say, you can only get truly excited about 3-4 games per year, the rest of the season you have to grind out wins. That’s exactly what MSU has done in route to this record-setting start!

Here’s our own Bent Bulldawg with a newspaper from the Clarion Ledger: