Mississippi State triumphs over Southern Miss, under the lead of Blake Shapen
In a thrilling season opener, Mississippi State emerged victorious against Southern Miss, with a final score of 34-17. The game was marked by a series of exciting plays and strategic moves from both teams.
The contest began with a bang, as Seydou Traore scored a 55-yard touchdown on the game's sixth play for Mississippi State, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Kyle Ferrie followed this up with a 55-yard field goal, increasing Mississippi State's lead to 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Southern Miss, under the guidance of their new head coach, Charles Huff, managed to respond midway through the second quarter. Braylon Braxton, a transfer from Marshall, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Micah Davis, tying the score at 10-10.
However, Mississippi State was not to be outdone. Fluff Bothwell ran for two touchdowns, and Davon Booth rushed for one, helping Mississippi State expand their lead to 27-10 by the end of the third quarter.
Braxton, who completed 26 of 39 passes for 199 yards, also contributed with 12 rushes for 58 yards, demonstrating his versatility on the field. Southern Miss's offence struggled to keep up, ending four possessions with punts and one with an interception before scoring their final touchdown late in the game.
Blake Shapen, Southern Miss's quarterback, passed for 270 yards and a touchdown in the game, but it was not enough to secure a victory. Michael Montgomery's interception at the MSU 26, resulting in a field goal for Southern Miss, was a highlight for the Golden Eagles.
In terms of overall statistics, Mississippi State outgained Southern Miss 465-301, demonstrating their dominance in the game. Kyle Ferrie's successful field goal attempts also played a crucial role in Mississippi State's victory, with scores of 43 and 30 yards contributing to their lead.
The season opener between Mississippi State and Southern Miss was a exciting and hard-fought contest, with Mississippi State ultimately emerging victorious. Both teams will look to build on this performance as they continue their respective seasons.
