Mississippi State draws first blood with impressive opening drive vs. Georgia
By Ethan Stone
Published:
That was exactly the start Mississippi State needed against No. 5 Georgia.
Kamario Taylor put the Bulldogs on the board, finishing a 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive with a bruising 4-yard run out of a direct snap. Taylor, Blake Shapen’s backup and a true freshman, powered into the Georgia defensive line on 3rd and 3 and was pushed into the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.
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It was all Mississippi State on that first drive, even if Georgia was able to get a very rare sack of Shapen. Speaking of, Shapen was excellent against a solid Georgia secondary, completing all 4 of his passing attempts for 34 yards with 4 rushing attempts and 8 yards. Fluff Bothwell did most of the rest of the work, toting the rock for 20 yards.
The only real positive for Georgia on its first defensive possession was that aforementioned sack. The Bulldogs simply have to get to Shapen, a capable passer who totaled 381 yards against Texas a few weeks ago. It’s worth noting, however, that Georgia has allowed the opposing team to score the first touchdown in 5 of their 7 conference matchups thus far — and the Bulldogs are 7-1 on the season.
Mississippi State’s defense held up well on the ensuing drive and was able to keep Georgia to a field goal. The Bulldogs lead the visiting Bulldogs 7-3 with plenty of football still to be played.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
