Heading into Friday evening’s game at BYU, Dan Mullen knew his Mississippi State squad was in for a battle.

It was desired for the Bulldogs to come out early and punch the Cougars in the mouth. Fortunately for MSU, this scenario unfolded in beautiful fashion.

Early in the first quarter, signal-caller Nick Fitzgerald executed a run-pass option to perfection. He ran to his left — before tossing the ball to redshirt freshman WR Keith Mixon.

Mixon then proceeded to haul in the pass — and scampered 44 yards for a touchdown. It was the second-longest pass of the season for the Bulldogs.

MSU had lined up to punt on the previous play. However, a substitution penalty by BYU gave the Bulldogs an automatic first down. It then resulted in the explosive play from Fitzgerald to Mixon.