Mississippi State remained unbeaten with perhaps the most dramatic SEC victory of the weekend, rallying in the fourth quarter to defeat Missouri 31-24.
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Quarterback Kamario Taylor threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns, while Fluff Bothwell rushed for 122 yards and another score. The Bulldogs finished with 499 yards of offense.
Mississippi State led 14-0 early, but Missouri steadily fought back. Austin Simmons threw three touchdown passes, including two to Cayden Lee, and the Tigers moved ahead 24-17 late in the third quarter.
Then the Bulldogs responded.
Bothwell’s four-yard touchdown tied the game at 24 with 7:16 remaining. Three minutes later, Taylor found Sanfrisco Magee for a 24-yard touchdown that put Mississippi State ahead for good.
Missouri still had opportunities. The Tigers regained possession in the final minute and crossed midfield, but a costly holding penalty helped derail their last drive. Simmons’ final pass fell incomplete with six seconds remaining.
Simmons played well in defeat, completing 23 of 39 passes for 295 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Lee was outstanding with 11 catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
But Mississippi State had more offensive firepower. Anthony Evans III caught eight passes for 114 yards, while Magee turned three receptions into 76 yards and two touchdowns.
The SEC’s recap likewise highlighted Taylor’s 360-yard, three-touchdown performance and the Bulldogs’ decisive late plays. Mississippi State improved to 4-0 while Missouri suffered its first loss.
