Mississippi St. sets records, blasts East Tennessee St. 56-7

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Matt Corral spins into the end zone for big-time Ole Miss TD

Matt Corral calls his own number and breaks a tackle for the 4-yard touchdown to extend Ole Miss' lead.

Nov 20, 2022, 02:30 am

Starkville, Miss. -- — On a chilly Saturday in Starkville, Miss., less than a week away from the Battle for the Golden Egg against rival Ole Miss, Mississippi State just needed to make it through healthy and with a win vs. East Tennessee State in a non-conference game.

The Bulldogs handled their business quickly and did what they needed to do with a 56-7 blowout win on Saturday afternoon.

Highlighting the day was Will Rogers, who threw for five touchdowns and moved into ninth in SEC history with 10,189 yards, passing Ole Miss’ Eli Manning heading into the Bulldogs’ Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Rebels in Oxford.

“I thought it was good that we started fast both halves. We were here to take care of business and we did,” Mississippi State coach Mike Leach said. “The only negative that I saw is when you throw out a bunch of young guys that don’t play a lot, it’s always scattered. There was some sloppiness, but at key times we were ready to play.”

The Bulldogs (7-4) had 418 yards and 342 of those were through the air. Rogers went 30 of 37 for 301 yards. Justin Robinson had five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown and Tulu Griffin had four catches for 53 yards and two scores. Jo’Quavious Marks had five carries for 58 yards and a touchdown run.

It was also a milestone moment for Emmanuel Forbes, who snagged a carom off the foot of East Tennessee State receiver Cameron Lewis and returned it 79 yards for a second quarter touchdown — his sixth career pick-six to set both an SEC and FBS record. The junior tied the Mississippi State record for most interceptions in a season with six and his 14 interceptions are now two away from tying the career record.

“It means a lot to have my name in the record book – something that I’ll always look forward to,” Forbes said. “I’m from Mississippi so it means a lot for me to play here and being able to perform and have a good time.”

Forbes and the defense didn’t give up a point to the Buccaneers’ offense. ETSU (3-8) had just 154 yards with 43 of those coming through the air. It was 2 of 13 on 3rd downs and turned the ball over three times. Quarterback Tyler Riddell was 5 of 11 for 47 yards and two interceptions.

The Bulldogs had no issues in the game. The team ran out to a 35-0 lead in the first half. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter with MSU holding a 56-0 lead that ETSU was able to get on the board. A blocked punt was scooped up by Erek Campbell and returned 29 yards for a score for the final 56-7 margin.

MSU’s defense was led by Jett Johnson who had nine tackles. Sherman Timbs finished with six tackles, two for loss, and a sack in his final game at Davis Wade Stadium. Along with the interception, Forbes had two pass breakups.

The win now sets up an all-important game for the Bulldogs in their quest to get the Golden Egg Trophy back as well as get to eight wins on the season. That Thanksgiving matchup with No. 14 Ole Miss on Thursday night is a big one to Rogers and company.

“We’ve played some really good teams over the past four weeks,” Rogers said. “It’s always fun when you win. Now we’re looking forward to Thursday night.”

THE TAKEAWAY

Mississippi State has its mind no doubt set on the Rebels of Ole Miss next week in what has turned into a must-win. Still, the Bulldogs came out and took care of business like they should.

ETSU was just outmanned in this game.

UP NEXT

ETSU’s season has come to an end.

Mississippi State will travel to Ole Miss for the annual Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night.

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