The Memphis Tigers vs Mississippi State score from Saturday night was Mississippi State 49, Memphis 23.
Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers dominated the game, passing for a career-high 450 yards. He threw for five touchdowns. The Mississippi State defense was smothering, especially in the first half. They did not allow a third-down conversion for the Memphis Tigers until well into the third quarter. At that time the score was already 35-3, and the outcome never seriously became in doubt.
The Memphis Tigers scored their only points of the first half following an interception by Memphis safety Quindell Johnson. The Tigers scored a 42-yard field goal by Howard after being stopped by the Bulldog defense.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs scored on touchdown passes to WR Rara Thomas, and finished with a touchdown pass to Robinson, a transfer from Georgia, his first catch for Mississippi State. Also scoring was RB Jo’Quavious Marks, with 2 running touchdowns. The Mississippi running attack, including Dillon Johnson,28 times for 103 yards.
The Memphis Tigers came roaring back in the second half.
Jevyon Ducker broke free for a 50-yard run in the third quarter, cutting to the left sideline to outrun the Mississippi state defense. Mississippi State continued attacking at will, but was stopped by a failed backwards pass, that was attentively chased down by the Memphis Tigers.
The Tigers completed the game by scoring touchdowns their next two possessions, giving some hope for upcoming weeks. QB Seth Henigan threw a 15-yard strike to WR Eddie Lewis in the left corner. Finally, the Tigers completed their scoring on a short quarterback draw by Seth Henigan late in the game.
In post-game comments, Coach Ryan Silverfield said it came down to lack of execution. offense and defense. In the press conference defensive leader Quindell Johnson, QB Seth Henigan, and Coach Silverfield all seemed dispirited by the team’s performance.