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Rapid Reaction: Mississippi State embarrassed by Texas Tech in Liberty Bowl blowout
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Year 2 of the Mike Leach era at Mississippi State ended with a disappointing loss Tuesday. Texas Tech struck first in the Liberty Bowl and never looked back. The Red Raiders thumped Leach’s squad, a double-digit favorite, 34-7.
Texas Tech controlled the game from the get-go. The Red Raiders never trailed in the first 2 quarters, out gaining the Bulldogs 252-128 yards, notching a 13-7 lead at the half.
Things did not get any better in the second half. Mississippi State was shut out in the final 2 quarters, while Texas Tech added 21 points.
Mississippi State’s Air Raid attack finished with more passing yards than Texas Tech (290-252) thanks to nearly double the passing attempts (53-28), but total yardage (512-344), rushing yards (260-54), turnovers (3-0), tackles for loss (7-3) and sacks (4-1) all went the Red Raiders’ way.
The one positive Mississippi State story Tuesday night was Will Rogers breaking a Dak Prescott record for most yards of offense in a season. Rogers finished the Liberty Bowl 32-of-53 passing for 290 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Texas Tech freshman QB Donovan Smith was 15-of-28 for 252 yards and a touchdown pass. The Red Raiders ran the ball 44 times for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns, led by Tahj Brooks’ 16 carries for 107 yards and a TD.
MSU opened as an 8.5-point favorite in Las Vegas. According to Vegas Insider, the Bulldogs had been bet up to 10-point favorites Tuesday, less than an hour before kickoff. Shortly before kickoff, it was revealed that Leach’s squad was missing numerous key players.
Mississippi State falls to 7-6, ending 2021 on a 2-game losing skid. The Bulldogs lost to in-state rival Ole Miss 31-21 in the Egg Bowl regular-season finale.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.