Going Back in Time: 10 MSU Football Games I’d Like to Change
Oct 3, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Evan Berry (29) returns the opening kickoff to score a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
1. 1998 vs. #1 Tennessee
Arguably the biggest game Mississippi State football has ever been involved: ’98 SEC Championship Game vs. Tennessee.
State got out to an early lead when Robert Bean intercepted Tee Martin and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. A missed opportunity occurred in the 1st quarter, however, as the Dawgs missed a 38 yard field goal. The Vols tied it up in the 2nd quarter and then took a 10-7 lead into the half.
Mid-way through the 3rd quarter Wayne Madkin threw an interception that appeared to be a pick-6. Fortunately, it was called back due to a block in the back and the State defense held the score at 10-7. With nine minutes remaining in the game, Kevin Prentiss made an electrifying punt return to give MSU the lead..
With 6:15 to play, Martin hit Peerless Price on a 41-yard strike to take a 17-14 lead. When the Bulldogs got the ball back, Madkin fumbled on the first play and Tennessee recovered. On the subsequent play, Martin threw another TD pass and that was all she wrote….24-14.
I don’t know what I’d do to change the outcome. All of the other games on this list feature maybe one or two plays that would’ve changed the outcome. This one is a little more complicated, so maybe I’d just go back to get the feeling of being in the SEC Championship, and having a 4th quarter lead over the #1 team. Nearly 20 years later we all realize how special that day was.