2014 UAB vs Mississippi State

The UAB Blazers tested the Mississippi State Bulldogs early in the 2014 season, but MSU managed to escape with a 47-34 home win in this Week 2 shootout. The Bulldogs scored four first half touchdowns, but could only convert two of four PATs, landing them with 26 points at halftime. UAB scored 17 second quarter points of its own to cut the lead to just six, 26-20, by halftime. However, Mississippi State outscored UAB 21-7 in the third quarter, and a late fourth quarter touchdown by the Blazers was not enough to overcome what was a 20-point deficit at the time, dropping them to 1-1 on the year. Mississippi State improved to 2-0 with the win.

Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen rotated quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Damian Williams early in the game, but eventually stuck exclusively with Prescott, his starter, as the game got tight in the second quarter. Prescott completed less than half of his pass attempts (12-of-25), but did throw for four touchdowns for the second week in a row. He also rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive end Preston Smith registered his second interception of the season with a tremendous one-handed pick of UAB quarterback Cody Clements, which he returned to the house as one of seven MSU touchdowns on the day. The Bulldogs’ defense did allow UAB to score 34 points and throw for 435 yards through the air, one week after shutting out Southern Miss in their season opener. Jamarcus Nelson led UAB with five catches for 144 yards. He was one of three Blazers to score a touchdown of at least 75 yards on the day, which padded many of the team’s offensive numbers.