Mississippi State capitalizes off early Tennessee blunders, scores opening TD
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The cowbells are clangin’ early at Davis Wade Stadium.
Fluff Bothwell pounded his way into the end zone for a 7-0 lead despite Mississippi State initially going 3 and out to start this one. Tennessee muffed the ensuing punt, then got hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that pushed the Bulldogs within 10 yards of the goal line.
Bothwell took care of the rest:
Bothwell has been fantastic for the Bulldogs this season. Teh South Alabama transfer entered Saturday’s contest having 47 carries or 427 yards and 4 touchdowns – which leads all rushers for Mississippi State. The sophomore is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and he’s off to a hot start against a good Tennessee run defense, too. He’ll need to continue his hot start if Mississippi State wants any chance of pulling off the upset.
To state the obvious, this is exactly what Mississippi State needed to start this one against an opponent that stood toe-to-toe with No. 5 Georgia just a few weeks ago. Especially considering Tennessee was only able to get a field goal on the ensuing drive. The Vols are at their best playing with a lead, and snagging the early momentum at home is absolutely massive.
After each team’s first drive of the afternoon, the Bulldogs lead Tennessee 7-3.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
