On one hand, it was more of the same for both teams. Each mirrored their season opening start; Mississippi State started fast and has outscored opponents 41-0 in the first half this season.

South Carolina had another slow start offensively, and by halftime, had seven rushing yards on 16 attempts. But unlike last week, the Bulldogs continued to play fairly well, or better, all the way into the second half, while the Gamecocks sputtered to make meaningful adjustments.

Despite two second-half touchdowns from South Carolina, it was too little too late as Mississippi State prevailed 27-14 Saturday night in Starkville.

What it means: The Bulldogs solidified their quarterback situation behind a strong performance by Nick Fitzgerald, and the defense was fairly consistent aside from one drive midway through the second half. Their defense also bounced back from a sub-par second half last week.

South Carolina, meanwhile, gives credence that the Vanderbilt second half was an aberration, and further complicates the quarterback situation. Will Will Muschamp and Kurt Roper continue to rotate Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain by halves?

Tight end Hayden Hurst had a career high in catches, but outside of Hurst and running back A.J. Turner, the Gamecocks have a shortage of playmakers.

What I liked

Mississippi State: Fitzgerald looked completely different from the player who was pulled after two series in the season opener. By halftime, he had 134 rushing yards on just 10 carries after he had just 138 in his career entering Saturday. He finished with 195. It answered any question remaining after Dan Mullen declared in the pregame that he would play the balance of the game.

The Bulldogs defense, meanwhile, allowed the fewest yards in the first half since last year against Troy (31). Jamal Peters’ first career interception, while Jonathan Calvin and A.J. Jefferson added first-half sacks.

South Carolina: Even the most pollyanna garnet and black supporter would be hard pressed to find some positives. Though linebacker T.J. Holloman made his sixth career interception following a Gamecock fumble, and nearly had another one early in the second half that was wiped out by a penalty. McIlwain offered a spark in the third quarter with a fourth-down conversion and touchdown pass to Turner.

What I didn’t like

South Carolina: The South Carolina offense had no shortage of issues. Its first two possessions netted 4 yards, and the MSU defense had five tackles for loss on 19 South Carolina plays.

It didn’t help that receiver Deebo Samuel at least twice appeared to be bothered by a hamstring injury. Orth threw into double coverage in the first half and ignored a wide open receiver. The Gamecocks mustered just 90 offensive yards (16 carries for seven yards) and were shutout in the first half for the second straight game.

What’s more, the running back rotation appears unsettled still, as Rod Talley was the second running back game in the game instead of David Williams. The other question was the decision to play Orth the entire first half, despite the struggles, and not insert McIlwain. But he entered early in the third quarter, only to receive a botched snap over his head.

Mississippi State: A fake punt near midfield early in the third quarter was confusing at best, and a mistake at worst. The Gamecocks stuffed the attempt, and got the ball at the Bulldogs’ 44. With a 24-point lead and the chance to further control field position, why give the Gamecocks a chance to launch a comeback?

Who’s the man: Fitzgerald locked up the starting job, and surprised many with his running ability, which previously didn’t offer much. He had more than 330 offensive yards, and completed more than half of his passes.

Key play: Receiver Fred Ross’ second-quarter 17-yard touchdown pass to Donald Gray proved to be the winning score, and put pressure on the Gamecock offense for more production, which proved to be too little too late. It capped a nine-play, 63-yard drive in just three minutes, and showed the Bulldogs’ versatility following Fitzgerald’s start, and then back-to-back runs of five and seven yards.

What’s next: The Gamecocks (1-1) play host to East Carolina, which has wins over Western Carolina and N.C. State. Mississippi State (1-1) will visit 1-1 LSU.