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#19 Bulldogs Remain Undefeated With 27-14 Win Over Wildcats
LEXINGTON,
Ky. - A record-setting day from senior receiver Chad Bumphis helped
lead the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-0, 2-0 SEC) to victory in
Lexington, as they defeated the Kentucky Wildcats (1-4, 0-2 SEC) 27-14.
The win gives MSU its first 5-0 start since 1999, when the Bulldogs
started 8-0 en route to a 10-2 record and a Peach Bowl victory.
The Bulldogs started off on the right foot, as junior quarterback Tyler
Russell led his offense down the field and scoring on a 10-yard
touchdown pass to fullback Adrian Marcus, his first career score.
MSU's defense started off in superb fashion as well, forcing a
three-and-out on Kentucky's first two drives. The Bulldogs capitalized
off the second stop, scoring on a 31-yard touchdown scamper by junior
LaDarius Perkins.
Kentucky answered MSU's second score with one of their own, a 32-yard
TD pass from freshman Patrick Towles to La'Rod King. The Bulldogs
retaliated with two Devon Bell field goals to close out the half with a
20-7 lead.
MSU wasted no time during their first drive of the second half, as
Russell connected with senior Chad Bumphis for a 27-yard score across
the middle. The touchdown reception was Bumphis' record-setting 18th of
his career, passing Eric Moulds and Justin Jenkins.
Kentucky tried to put together a comeback after a three-yard touchdown
run by freshman quarterback Jalen Whitlow, but failed to do any more
damage in the final quarter.
MSU dominated the stat book all day long, finishing with 427 total
yards to Kentucky's 228. State finished with 158 yards on the ground
and 269 yards passing, while the Wildcats only tallied 84 rushing yards
and 144 passing yards.
Russell finished the game throwing 23-for-39 for 269 yards and two
touchdowns, tying Rocky Felker for 8th all-time in career touchdown
passes with 23. Perkins eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second time
this season, rushing for 110 yards and a score on 25 attempts. Bumphis
led all receivers with 104 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.
The Bulldogs return to action next week at Davis Wade, as they face SEC
East foe Tennessee. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN 2 and the
Mississippi State Radio Network.
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