Any worries about Mississippi State being stuck in last week’s win over Texas A&M or looking ahead to No. 1 Alabama were quickly put to rest by a three-touchdown first quarter from Bulldogs QB Nick Fitzgerald. The Bulldogs never looked back from their double-digit lead, thumping La Tech 45-3.

The senior quarterback logged a season high four touchdown passes and only two quarters to do it Saturday night in Starkville. The fourth touchdown, a 10-yard passing play to WR Jesse Jackson, put him at over 300 yards of total offense before halftime (211 passing, 93 rushing).

In addition to the big passing night, Fitzgerald also led MSU’s effort on the ground. with 107 yards rushing. Nick Gibson also contributed a 62-yard run, the highlight of the running backs’ performance (17 combined carries, 187 yards).

Backup QB Keytaon Thompson took over the offense in the fourth quarter. It didn’t take long for him to add another six points with a 17-yard touchdown run at the 13:20 mark. Late in the fourth quarter, even true freshman Jalen Mayden entered the game.

On defense, MLB Erroll Thompson led the way with nine total tackles. DE Montez Sweat logged the only Bulldogs sack of the night. Stephen Adegoke logged the one MSU pick.

With No. 1 Alabama up next, a big win over La Tech says…not that much about the Bulldogs. On the plus side, MSU will undoubtedly be confident. Both units are firing on all cylinders entering a closing stretch that will define how the Hail State faithful remember the 2018 season.

The win gets MSU to 6-3 on the year, securing bowl eligibility in coach Joe Moorhead’s first season in Starkville. While preseason expectations for the Bulldogs went beyond simply making a bowl, punching the ticket to postseason is a significant for the long run.

By going bowling, the Bulldogs will get 15 more practices. Young players should particularly benefit from more opportunities to develop and increase familiarity with the nuances of the playbook.