Mississippi State turned a difficult first half into an impressive SEC road victory.
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Predicted Score: South Carolina 30, Mississippi State 27
Actual Score: Mississippi State 41, South Carolina 34
, rallying from a 23-14 halftime deficit to defeat South Carolina 41-34 in Columbia.
South Carolina controlled the opening quarter and led 13-0 before Mississippi State’s offense began finding answers. Quarterback Kamario Taylor became the centerpiece of the comeback. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the football effectively and repeatedly attacking South Carolina downfield.
The Bulldogs completely changed the game in the third quarter.
Taylor threw touchdown passes to Mario Johnson and Anthony Evans III, while Kyle Ferrie added a field goal. Mississippi State scored 17 unanswered points in the quarter and transformed a 23-14 deficit into a 31-23 lead.
Fluff Bothwell helped provide offensive balance with 115 rushing yards on 21 carries. Mississippi State finished with 393 total yards despite possessing the ball for fewer than 26 minutes.
South Carolina generated 431 yards, but two turnovers proved costly. LaNorris Sellers threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice. Matt Fuller contributed both rushing and receiving production and helped the Gamecocks make a late push.
Mississippi State extended its advantage to 38-23 early in the fourth before South Carolina rallied. The Gamecocks closed within seven in the final minute, but Mississippi State recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
This was another prediction that went the opposite direction. South Carolina was expected to win a tight 30-27 contest. Instead, Mississippi State went on the road, scored 41 points and demonstrated considerable offensive explosiveness.
At 3-0, the Bulldogs are becoming one of the more interesting early-season stories in the conference, while South Carolina leaves this game wondering how a strong first half disappeared so quickly.
