The Eight worsts Egg Bowls of my life

3. 1981 – Ole Miss 21, MSU 17 (Jackson)*

In true MSU fashion, the Bulldogs dominated the Rebels in every area of this game except the score.  All-SEC kicker Dana Moore knuckle-balled one of the ugliest field goals in the history of football through the uprights to give the Bulldogs a 17-14 lead in the closing minute. Playing in his final game as a Rebel, quarterback John Fourcade led the Rebels in a desperation last minute drive.  The key play in the drive was an apparent interception of Fourcade in the end zone by State cornerback Kenneth Johnson, which appeared to seal the win for the Bulldogs.  But a controversial pass interference call gave the Rebels first and goal on the one yard line and Fourcade ran it in on the next play to give the Rebels the upset win. This game sticks in my craw for two reasons.  First, State dominated almost the entire game and it never should have come down to the final drive.  Second, the alleged pass interference call happened right in front of me.  I was sitting in the student section on about the fifth row, directly in front of the end zone where the play took place. The defender turned towards the ball and out-jumped the receiver for the catch.  There is no way that was pass interference,   and I’ve never forgotten the name of the official who made the call – Dick Pace.  Take a look and judge for yourself.