2007 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2007
Team=Mississippi State Bulldogs


ImageSize=150
Conference=Southeastern Conference
ShortConference=SEC
Division=West (4th place)
CoachRank=
APRank=
BCSRank=
Record=8-5
ConfRecord=4-4
HeadCoach=Sylvester Croom
OffCoach=Woody McCorvey
DefCoach=Ellis Johnson
OScheme=West Coast
DScheme=4-3/Multiple Front
StadiumArena=Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field (55,082)
Champion=
BowlTourney=2007 Liberty Bowl Champs
BowlTourneyResult=W 10-3 vs. UCF

The 2007 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team represented Mississippi State University during the 2007 college football season. The team's Head Coach was Sylvester "Sly" Croom, who began his fourth season as the Bulldogs' head coach with a 9-25 overall record, and a 4-20 conference record at MSU. Mississippi State has been a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) since the league's inception in 1932, and has participated in that conference's Western Division since 1992. The Bulldogs played their six home games in 2007 at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Mississippi, which has been MSU football's "home" stadium since 1914.

The Bulldogs' record of 8-5 (4-4) in 2007 marked MSU's first winning record since the 2000 season, when the team finished 8-4 (4-4). The 'Dogs earned their first Bowl berth since 2000 by reaching the 2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Their 10-3 victory over Conference USA Champion Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl also marked MSU's first Bowl victory since 2000, when the Bulldogs defeated Texas A&M 43-41 in overtime) to win the 2000 Independence Bowl, under then-Head Coach Jackie Sherrill. For the Bulldogs' drastic improvement, Coach Croom was voted the 2007 SEC Coach of the Year by his peers.

Pre-season

At the 2007 SEC Football Media Days in Hoover, Alabama, Mississippi State was predicted to finish 6th in the SEC Western Division, based on a poll of SEC coaches. [cite web |url=http://www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=9281&change_well_id=2 |title=2007 SEC Football Media Days Voting Announced |date=2007-07-27 |publisher=SECsports.com |accessdate=2007-12-30] .

2006 Season in review

The Bulldogs finished the 2006 college football season with a dismal 3-9 record (1-7 conference). MSU's only wins came over UAB (16-10, overtime) of Conference USA in Birmingham and DI-AA/FCS opponent Jacksonville State (35-3), with the Bulldogs' lone conference victory coming over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, a game in which MSU was a 14-point underdog, by a 24-16 margin, snapping a streak of 23 consecutive conference road losses for MSU.

Despite their poor record, Croom's squad showed signs of improvement in 2006: they were outgained by just 51.9 yards per game, fewer than conference foes Ole Miss and Kentucky, who won the 2006 Music City Bowl; in their 24-27 loss at Georgia, they reached UGA's 31-yard line but lost a fumble with 0:03 remaining in the game; they outgained Arkansas, the 2006 SEC West Champs, by 99 yards in a 14-28 loss; and the Bulldogs also lost close games to Tulane (29-32), Kentucky (31-34) and rival Ole Miss in the 2006 Battle for the Golden Egg (17-20).

With 17 returning starters (10 offense, 5 defense, Kicker, Punter) in 2007, the Bulldogs will expect to see statistical improvement paying off in the Win/Loss column in "Sly" Croom's contract year.

Players departing

Seven starters departed from State's 2006 squad, all of whom were seniors who's eligibility expired:

*RG Brian Anderson, 6'6", 300 lbs., Three-year starter (started all 12 games in 2006)cite web |url=http://www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=9125&change_well_id=2 |title=2007 SEC Football Preview - Mississippi State |date=2007-07-19 |accessdate=2007-12-30 |publisher=SECsports.com]
*LB Quinton Culberson, 6'1", 236 lbs., All-SEC First-Team (102 tackles, 8 TFLs, 1 sack, 6 passes defended, 2 INTs in 2006)
*RCB David Heard, 6'0", 192 lbs., Three year starter (45 tackles, 3 TFLs, 8 passes defended, 2 INTs in 2006)
*DE Michael Heard, 6'2", 259 lbs., (37 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks in 2006)
*S Jeramie Johnson, 5'11", 213 lbs., (72 tackles, 3 TFLs, 5 passes defended in 2006)
*DT Andrew Powell, 6'1", 290 lbs., (34 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, .5 sack in 2006)
*DT Deljuan Robinson, 6'3", 287 lbs., (34 tackles, 11 TFLs, 1.5 sacks in 2006)

Also departed are Seniors Omar Conner, who completed 76 of 135 passes (56.3%) for 943 yards and three touchdowns (three interceptions), rushed 37 times for 101 yards (2.7 average) and two touchdowns, and caught eight passes for 70 yardscite web |url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/16800/stats/fb/2006/teamstat.htm?SPSID=90895&SPID=10997&DB_OEM_ID=16800 |title=2006 Mississippi State football statistics |date=2007-07-27 |publisher=Mississippi State University Bulldogs |accessdate=2007-12-30] while splitting time at WR and QB, WR Will Prosser (11 receptions, 135 yards) and DT Antonio Johnson (21 tackles, 4 TFLs), who was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 152nd pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Players returning

Despite the loss of several standout veteran players from the Bulldogs' 2006 squad, the 2007 Bulldogs boast an experienced lineup, including 17 returning starters.

Offense

State's offense in 2007 includes ten returning starters from 2006 (in bold).

Under center, Junior Michael Henig will get the first look at QB for the 'Dogs' after starting six games and completing 74 of 169 pass attempts (43.8%) for 1201 yards and seven touchdowns (nine interceptions) as a Sophomore in 2006. He will be challenged by Sophomores Ty Evans and Zack Harrington as well as incoming JUCO transfer Josh Riddell.

The Bulldogs will get back their top five pass receivers from 2006: Tony Burks (35 catches, 850 yards, 5 touchdowns, led SEC with 24.3 yards per reception), Jamayel Smith (20 receptions, 335 yards, 2 touchdowns), TE Eric Butler (13 receptions, 210 yards, 1 touchdown), Lance Long (25 receptions, 177 yards, 1 touchdown) and Aubrey Bell (8 receptions, 151 yards). Also returning are backup TEs Dezmond Sherrod (just 7 career receptions, but a solid blocking TE) and Jason Husband (9 receptions, 89 yards, 1 touchdown in 2006).

Sophomore RB Anthony Dixon emereged as a star in his 2006 true-Freshman season, rushing 169 times for 668 yards (4 yards per carry) and 9 touchdowns. He looks to handle the 'Dogs' starting RB duties again in 2007. Backups Arnil Stallworth, Justin Williams and Christian Ducré all return, as well. Juniors Eric Hoskins, who redshirted in 2006 after transferring from Holmes, and Brandon Hart, a converted RB, will share the FB duties.

The Bulldogs have the makings of a solid group of linemen up front, where C Royce Blacledge returns to anchor the unit in his Senior season after starting every game there as a Junior in 2006; Sophomore Craig Jenkins, who started every game at RT in 2006, moves to RG; Juniors Anthony Strauder and Michael Gates, who split time at LG both return, as do talented Junior Michael Brown, who transferred to State after redshirting at Florida, and Senior swing G/T J.D. Hamilton, both of whom split time at LT last season.

* Offensive Depth (as of 12/29/07)cite news | title=Mississippi State Bowl Media Guide | publisher=XOS Product Marketing| date=29 December 2007 | accessdate=2007-12-30 | author=Mississippi State Athletics|url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/16800/pdf/fb/fb_07mg_bowl.pdf?SPSID=91236&SPID=10997&DB_OEM_ID=16800]

Newcomers: 2007 Signing Class

MSU signed a total of 34 players to letters of intent, comprising the 'Dogs' 2007 signing class. The class is headlined by a large number of top in-state high school recruits including DB Antwon Dixon (Jackson), RB/S Marcus Green (Meridian), DE Jazzmen Guy (Hazlehurst), DT Quentin Saulsberry (Independence), OT Derek Sherrod (Caledonia) and highly-touted RB Robert Elliot (Okolona), who chose the Bulldogs on National Signing Day following a heated recruiting battle between MSU, Ole Miss and Florida State. The Bulldogs capped off a solid 2007 high school class with several top junior college signees, such as DT Jessie Bowman (Brookhaven/Co-Lin) and WR Co-Eric Riley (Lucedale/Gulf Coast). Additionally, MSU signed several strong out-of-State players including high school DT LaMarcus Williams (Bastrop, Louisiana) and JUCO QB Josh Riddell (Salem, Oregon/Foothill). [http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp?SID=880 Rivals.com] ranked State's '07 class 39th in the Nation, while [http://scout.scout.com/a.zs=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2007 Scout.com] had the Bulldogs' class at 27th. With a strong, consensus top-40 class, the Bulldogs will expect and need some newcomers to make an immediate impact on the field.

College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Damein Anderson
position = CB
hometown = Hazlehurst, Mississippi
highschool = Hazlehurst High School
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 170
40 = 4.51
commitdate = 03/28/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Korentheus Bailey
position = DT
hometown = Gainesville, Georgia
highschool = East Hall County High School
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 250
40 = 5.5
commitdate = 11/30/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 64College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Wade Bonner
position = CB
hometown = Somerville, Tennessee
highschool = Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School
feet = 5
inches = 11
weight = 185
40 = 4.48
commitdate = 12/3/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jessie Bowman (TR)
position = DT
hometown = Brookhaven, Mississippi
highschool = Brookhaven High School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 335
40 = 5.0
commitdate = 12/13/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Karlin Brown
position = LB
hometown = Tallahassee, Florida
highschool = Lincoln High School
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 200
40 = 4.5
commitdate = 5/26/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Wesley Carroll
position = QB
hometown = Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
highschool = St. Thomas Aquinas High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 190
40 = 4.5
commitdate = 12/14/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 72College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Maurice Crutison
position = LB
hometown = Port Gibson, Mississippi
highschool = Port Gibson High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 210
40 = 4.51
commitdate = 5/1/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Antwon Dixon
position = S
hometown = Terry, Mississippi
highschool = Terry High School
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 200
40 = 4.53
commitdate = 8/31/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Dominic Douglas (TR)
position = LB
hometown = Clinton, Mississippi
highschool = Clinton High School, Hinds Community College
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 220
40 = 4.6
commitdate = 10/30/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Robert Elliot
position = RB
hometown = Okolona, Mississippi
highschool = Okolona High School
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 191
40 = 4.58
commitdate = 2/7/2007
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 77College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Marcus Green
position = RB/S
hometown = De Kalb, Mississippi
highschool = Kemper County High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 210
40 = 4.5
commitdate = 8/18/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 76College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Jazzmen Guy
position = DE
hometown = Hazlehurst, Mississippi
highschool = Hazlehurst High School
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 265
40 = 4.71
commitdate = 4/1/2006
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 77College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jimmie Holmes (TR)
position = DE
hometown = Aiken, South Carolina
highschool = Aiken High School, Mississippi Delta Community College
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 227
40 = 4.7
commitdate = 8/26/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Mike Hunt
position = S
hometown = Meadville, Mississippi
highschool = Franklin County High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 208
40 = 4.64
commitdate = 5/26/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Colton Jenkins
position = OT
hometown = Winona, Mississippi
highschool = Winon High School
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 284
40 = 5.2
commitdate = 7/31/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Terrell Johnson
position = LB
hometown = Silas, Alabama
highschool = Southern Choctaw County High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 205
40 = 4.6
commitdate = 12/6/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jamie Jones
position = LB
hometown = Springdale, Arkansas
highschool = Springdale High School
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 215
40 = 4.58
commitdate = 1/30/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 75College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Addison Lawrence
position = TE
hometown = Coldwater, Mississippi
highschool = Magnolia Heights School
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 251
40 = 5.03
commitdate = 6/15/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 69College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = D.J. Looney
position = C
hometown = Birmingham, Alabama
highschool = Oak Mountain High School
feet = 6
inches = 1.5
weight = 292
40 = 5.49
commitdate = 6/19/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 76College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Dakota Merritt
position = OT
hometown = Cantonment, Florida
highschool = West Florida High School of Advanced Technology
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 297
40 = 5.0
commitdate = 7/13/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 66College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Chris Nance (TR)
position = CB
hometown = Tuscumbia, Alabama
highschool = Deshler High School, Northeast Mississippi Community College
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 185
40 = 4.5
commitdate = 12/14/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jasper O'Quinn (TR)
position = CB
hometown = Meadville, Mississippi
highschool = Franklin County High School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 185
40 = 4.45
commitdate = 12/12/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Chris Relf
position = QB
hometown = Montgomery, Alabama
highschool = Carver High School
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 206
40 = 4.87
commitdate = 5/3/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 76College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Eric Richards
position = K
hometown = Vicksburg, Mississippi
highschool = Warren Central High School
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 225
40 = 4.9
commitdate = 9/10/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Josh Riddell (TR)
position = QB
hometown = Salem, Oregon
highschool = McKay High School, Foothill College
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 200
40 = 4.7
commitdate = 12/17/2007
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Co-Eric Riley (TR)
position = WR
hometown = Lucedale, Mississippi
highschool = George County High School, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 200
40 = 4.5
commitdate = 5/10/2006
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = N/ACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Quentin Saulsberry
position = DT
hometown = Tate County, Mississippi
highschool = Independence High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 270
40 = 5.15
commitdate = 7/22/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Derek Sherrod
position = OT
hometown = Caledonia, Mississippi
highschool = Caledonia High School
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 300
40 = 5.3
commitdate = 8/5/2006
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Zach Smith
position = S
hometown = Altoona, Alabama
highschool = Susan Moore High School
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 175
40 = 4.52
commitdate = 11/12/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 76College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Ethan Stockett
position = FB
hometown = Ft. Smith, Arkansas
highschool = Southside High School
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 252
40 = 4.8
commitdate = 5/12/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 66College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *Antonio White
position = LB
hometown = Hollandale, Mississippi
highschool = Simmons High School
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 240
40 = 4.6
commitdate = 5/4/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 75College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = *O'Neal Wilder
position = WR
hometown = Carthage, Mississippi
highschool = Carthage High School
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 200
40 = 4.48
commitdate = 2/6/2007
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = LaMarcus Williams
position = DT
hometown = Bastrop, Louisiana
highschool = Bastrop High School
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 290
40 = 4.9
commitdate = 2/7/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 72College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = K.J. Wright
position = LB
hometown = Olive Branch, Mississippi
highschool = Olive Branch High School
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 205
40 = 4.67
commitdate = 12/25/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit End
40 = yes
year = 2007
rivals ref title = MSU Commit List 2007
scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: MSU
espn ref title = 2007 Player Commitments - MSU
rivals school = 48
scout s = 73
espn schoolid = 344
scout overall = #27
rivals overall = #39
accessdate = 2007-12-26
collapse = yes

* (TR) indicates signees who are transferring to MSU from another collegiate institution and therefore have only "two" seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining, instead of the standard four.

* Although Mississippi State signed 34 players in their 2007 class, the Bulldogs had only 26 football scholarships available to offer for the 2007 season (a situation referred to as "oversigning"). Signees who do not appear on MSU's 2007 roster due to oversigning, failure to qualify academically or any other reason are noted with an asterik *.

chedule

Analyst Phil Steele ranked MSU's 2007 schedule strength 29th in the Nation in his 2007 preview magazine.

CFB Schedule Entry
date = Aug. 30
time = 7:00 PM
w/l = l
away =
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = LSU (12-2, 6-2)
opprank = 2
site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
site_cityst = Starkville
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score = 0-45 (0-1, 0-1)
overtime =
attend = 50,112CFB Schedule Entry
date = Sept. 8
time = 6:00 PM
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
away = yes
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Tulane (4-8, 3-5)
opprank =
site_stadium = Louisiana Superdome
site_cityst = New Orleans, LA
gamename =
tv = CSS
score = 38-17 (1-1, 0-1)
overtime =
attend = 31,076CFB Schedule Entry
date = Sept. 15
time = 11:30 AM
w/l = w
nonconf =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Auburn (9-4, 5-3)
opprank =
site_stadium = Jordan-Hare Stadium
site_cityst = Auburn, AL
gamename =
tv = LFS
score = 19-14 (2-1, 1-1)
overtime =
attend = 82,129CFB Schedule Entry
date = Sept. 22
time = 6:00 PM
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
away =
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Gardner-Webb (5-6, 2-2)
opprank =
site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
site_cityst = Starkville
gamename =
tv =
score = 31-15 (3-1, 1-1)
overtime =
attend = 42,272CFB Schedule Entry
date = Sept. 29
time = 11:00 AM
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = South Carolina (6-6, 3-5)
opprank = 16
site_stadium = Williams-Brice Stadium
site_cityst = Columbia, SC
gamename =
tv = LFS
score = 21-38 (3-2, 1-2)
overtime =
attend = 78,883CFB Schedule Entry
date = Oct. 6
time = 1:30 PM
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming = yes
away =
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = UAB (2-10, 1-7)
opprank =
site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
site_cityst = Starkville
gamename =
tv =
score = 30-13 (4-2, 1-2)
overtime =
attend = 45,259CFB Schedule Entry
date = Oct. 13
time = 1:30 PM
w/l = l
away =
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Tennessee (10-4, 6-2)
opprank = 25
site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
site_cityst = Starkville
gamename =
tv =
score = 21-33 (4-3, 1-3)
overtime =
attend = 50,217CFB Schedule Entry
date = Oct. 20
time = 2:30 PM
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
away = yes
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = West Virginia (11-2, 5-2)
opprank = 9
site_stadium = Milan Puskar Stadium
site_cityst = Morgantown, WV
gamename =
tv = ESPN Plus
score = 13-38 (4-4, 1-3)
overtime =
attend = 61,022CFB Schedule Entry
date = Oct. 27
time = 11:30 AM
w/l = w
away = yes
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Kentucky (8-5, 3-5)
opprank = 14
site_stadium = Commonwealth Stadium
site_cityst = Lexington, KY
gamename =
tv = LFS
score = 31-14 (5-4, 2-3)
overtime =
attend = 68,173CFB Schedule Entry
date = Nov. 10
time = 11:30 AM
w/l = w
nonconf =
away =
neutral =
rank = no
homecoming =
opponent = Alabama (7-6, 4-4)
opprank = 21
site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
site_cityst = Starkville
gamename =
tv = LFS
score = 17-12 (6-4, 3-3)
overtime =
attend = 56,188CFB Schedule Entry
date = Nov. 17
time = 1:00 PM
w/l = l
away = yes
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Arkansas (8-5, 4-4)
opprank =
site_stadium = War Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Little Rock, AR
gamename =
tv =
score = 31-45 (6-5, 3-4)
overtime =
attend = 55,185CFB Schedule Entry
date = Nov. 23
time = 11:30 AM
w/l = w
away =
neutral =
rank = no
opponent = Mississippi (3-9, 0-8)
opprank =
site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
site_cityst = Starkville
gamename = Egg Bowl
tv = LFS
score = 17-14 (7-5, 4-4)
overtime =
attend = 51,727CFB Schedule Entry
date = Dec. 29
time = 3:30 PM
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
away =
neutral = yes
rank = no
opponent = Central Florida (10-4, 7-1)
opprank =
site_stadium = Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Memphis, TN
gamename = Liberty Bowl
tv = ESPN
score = 10-3 (8-5, 4-4)
overtime =
attend = 63,816

* Rankings indicate opponent's position in AP Poll as released week prior to game.

Schedule Source: [http://www.mstateathletics.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16800&KEY=&SPID=10997&SPSID=90890 Mississippi State Football - 2007 Schedule]

Game Notes

LSU

"Last Meeting: September 30, 2006, L 17-48"
"Series Record: MSU trails 33-64-3"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = #2 TIGERS
Host = Bulldogs
V1 = 3 | V2 = 14 | V3 = 14 | V4 = 14
H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-08-30
Location = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, Starkville, Mississippi
StartTime = 7:00 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 50,112
Weather = 77F Stormy Skies
Referee =

LSU and Mississippi State kicked off the 2007 college football season in a Thursday night SEC contest broadcast live on ESPN, the 101st meeting between the two teams. Through much of the first half it appeared as though Mississippi State was up to the daunting task of challenging the Tigers, then the #2-ranked team in the country behind only USC, as MSU clung to a 0-3 deficit through most of the first half, until LSU scored 14 points in the last six minutes of the second quarter, opening the door for the Tigers to cruise to the final 0-45 margin.

LSU K Colt David warmed up the scoreboard for the Tigers' offense with a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter. [cite web|url=http://www.mstateathletics.com/fls/16800/stats/fb/2007/ms0830.htm?SPSID=90890&SPID=10997&DB_OEM_ID=16800 |title=LSU vs Mississippi State (Aug 30, 2007)|date=2007-08-30|publisher=mstateathletics.com] Tigers' RB Keiland Williams would score twice on one-yard touchdown runs in the second quarter to push LSU's lead to 0-17 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Tigers' distanced themselves with two eleven-yard touchdown passes from QB Matt Flynn, one to WR Early Doucet and the other to RB Charles Scott, bringing the score to 0-31 to start the fourth quarter. LSU backup QB Ryan Perriloux sealed the Tigers' victory in the fourth quarter with a three-yard touchdown scramble, followed by a 15-yard touchdown pass to WR Brandon LaFell to put LSU up by the final 0-45 margin.

LSU's dominance included earning 22 first downs to MSU's nine and yielding MSU just ten rushing yards on 26 carries. LSU FB Jacob Hester led the Tigers with 14 carries for 72 yards (4.9 yards per carry), while Early Doucet paced LSU's passing attack with 9 catches for 78 yards, including the 11-yard touchdown strike he caught in the third quarter; he was the only LSU receiver to catch more than one pass. For MSU, RB Anthony Dixon led the Bulldogs on the ground with just 29 yards on 13 carries (2.2 average). RB Arnil Stallworth led MSU with only 3 pass receptions for 33 yards.

LSU starting QB Matt Flynn paced his team's offense by completing 12 of 19 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns and rushing 11 times for 42 yards. Ryan Perriloux ran the Tigers' offense well in relief duty, completing 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards and a touchdown and running 3 times for 12 yards and another score. For MSU, QB Michael Henig completed just 11 of 28 passes on his way to a school record-tying six interception-performance. [cite web |url=http://www.mstateathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=90890&SPID=10997&DB_OEM_ID=16800&ATCLID=1180926 |title=Tigers Back Up No. 2 Ranking With 45-0 Victory Over Bulldogs |date=2007-08-30 |publisher=Mississippi State University Bulldogs |accessdate=2007-12-30] He was sacked three times for a cumulative loss of 30 yards.

Defensively, LSU LB Ali Highsmith led the Tigers with eight total tackles. Tigers' S Craig Steltz returned three of MSU's six interceptions a total of 100 yards. MSU LB Dominic Douglas, playing in his first career game with the Bulldogs, led all tacklers with nine total, earning "Outstanding Performer" recognition for Week 1.

LSU went on to finish the season 12-2 with a victory over Ohio State in the BCS title game and were ranked #1 in all final major polls.

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Tulane

"Last Meeting: September 16, 2006, L 29-32"
"Series Record: MSU leads 29-26-2"

AFB Game Box Start
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Visitor = BULLDOGS
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V1 = 14 | V2 = 3 | V3 = 14 | V4 = 7
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Date = 2007-09-08
Location = Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
StartTime = 6:00 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 31,076
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Referee =

After being hammered 0-45 by LSU to open the season, MSU sought its first win of 2007 when the Bulldogs traveled to New Orleans to take on another team from the state of Louisiana, the Tulane Green Wave, in the second week of the season. As with all Tulane home games, the contest was played at the Louisiana Superdome, also the home stadium of the New Orleans Saints. The game was also a homecoming of sorts for MSU RB Christian Ducré, a native of nearby Mandeville who began his college career at Tulane before transferring to State.

Coming into the game, Tulane's All-C-USA RB Matt Forté was regarded as one of the nation's best Running Backs. A 2008 NFL Draft prospect, Forté finished the 2007 season by earning AP All-America recognition.

State started the scoring off early in the first quarter, when LB Gabe O'Neal intercepted a pass on the first offensive series of the game and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown. [cite web|url=http://www.mstateathletics.com/fls/16800/stats/fb/2007/ms0908.htm?SPSID=90890&SPID=10997&DB_OEM_ID=16800 |title=Mississippi State vs Tulane (Sep 08, 2007)|date=2007-09-08|publisher=mstateathletics.com] Tulane responded on the next series, however, with a quick three-play, 61-yard drive resulting in a 39-yard touchdown run by Forté. Mississippi State added an 18-yard touchdown run by QB Michael Henig and Tulane tacked on an eight-yard touchdown pass from QB Scott Elliott to FB Jeremy McKinney, all in the first quarter. The only other scoring in the first half came when MSU and Tulane traded field goals in the second quarter, a 23-yarder by Adam Carlson and a 26-yarder by Ross Thevenot, respectively, leaving the score tied 17-17 at halftime.

After the competitive first half, Mississippi State regrouped and the Bulldogs took the game over in the second by scoring 21 unanswered points. FB Jeremy Jones capped off a long drive to open the second half, catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from Michael Henig after MSU's offense covered 67 yards with 9 plays in 3:30. Later in the third quarter, RB Anthony Dixon broke a 27-yard run to stretch the 'Dogs' lead to 14. Dixon sealed the victory for MSU with a seven-yard fourth quarter run that put the Bulldogs ahead by the final margin.

Dixon bounced back from being shut down by LSU in the previous week by rushing for 131 yards on 27 carries (4.9 average) and two touchdowns, earning him "Outstanding Performer" recognition for Week 2. QB Michael Henig posted an admirable performance as well, completing 21 of 30 pass attempts for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Meanwhile, MSU's defense put up an impressive performance, allowing the Green Wave only eight first downs to MSU's 27 and limiting Matt Forté to 63 yards on 14 carries (3.4 average), his lowest totals of the 2007 season in all three categories. He also lost two fumbles to the 'Dogs' defense.

LB Jamar Chaney led MSU with six total tackles. In addition to his interception return for a touchdown, LB Gabe O'Neal recovered a fumble and recorded four total tackles and was named the SEC's Defensive Player of the Week for Week 2.

Tulane finished the season with an unimpressive 4-8 record, but did manage to finish in third place in the C-USA West.

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Auburn

"Last Meeting: September 9, 2006, L 0-34"
"Series Record: MSU trails 22-56-2"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = BULLDOGS
Host = Tigers
V1 = 10 | V2 = 3 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 6
H1 = 0 | H2 = 14 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-09-15
Location = Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
StartTime = 11:30 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 82,129
Weather = 80F Clear Skies
Referee =

MSU traveled to Auburn, Alabama for their Week 3 match-up against the favored Auburn Tigers, played at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers boasted a six-game win streak against the Bulldogs dating back to 2001. Since the 'Dogs defeated the Tigers 17-10 in Starkville in 2000, Auburn had dominated over the course of their six consecutive wins against MSU, outscoring State by an average margin of 25.5 points, including consecutive shutouts in 2005 and 2006.

State (1-1, 0-1) entered the game coming off of an impressive second half rally to cruise by Tulane after their opening week-beating at the hands of LSU. Auburn (1-1, 0-0) had fallen from the national polls by losing to then-unrakned South Florida in Week 2, after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats with a 14-point fourth quarter rally in the opening week of the season.

The Bulldogs caught AU off guard, jumping out to a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter. MSU K Adam Carlson scored State's first points with a 32-yard field goal on the game's opening drive, marking the first time MSU had scored on Auburn since 2004. On the next drive, Auburn's first of the game, Tigers' QB Brandon Cox threw an interception caught and returned by MSU FS Derek Pegues for a touchdown less than a minute after Carlson's field goal to give MSU a quick 10-0 lead. Cox again threw an interception on Auburn's ensuing possession, prompting the Tigers to insert true-Freshman backup QB Kodi Burns into the game on their next series. However, he also turned the ball over on his first possession. MSU capitalized on AU's turnovers by adding another Carlson field goal on the ensuing drive to stretch their lead to 13-0.

However, the Tigers mounted a comeback late in the second quarter, when RB Ben Tate ran 28 yards to finally put Auburn on the board. On the ensuing kickoff, MSU KR Derek Pegues fumbled the return, giving AU the ball on State's 30 yardline with 4:12 to play in the first half. After turning the ball over on so many previous possessions, Auburn stuck to their ground game, not attempting a single pass during the ensuing series. Kodi Burns led the way for the Tigers, accounting for five of his team's seven carries and 21 of AU's 30 yards on the drive, capped by his one-yard dive into the endzone to tie the game, with K Wes Byrum's successful extra point giving the Tigers a 13-14 lead, which they would hold onto for the remainder of the first half.

Neither team's offense was able to successfully move the ball in the second half until MSU took possession on AU's 44 yardline with 10:42 left in the fourth quarter, after S Demario Bobo intercepted a Kodi Burns pass.

The ensuing drive would prove to be the most important of the game for the Bulldogs, as they marched 44 yards in 10 plays and scored after using over five minutes off of the game clock. MSU RB Christian Ducré, who gained 21 yards on three carries on the drive, punched the ball into the endzone from five yards out for the score. The Bulldogs unsuccessfully attempted a two-point conversion, which left them with a narrow 19-14 lead with over five minutes remaining in the game. Brandon Cox returned to the game on the ensuing drive for Auburn. Cox led his team 67 yards down the field, all the way to MSU nine yardline, but was unable to score as his fourth down pass attempt fell incomplete, giving State the ball back with just :48 remaining, allowing the 'Dogs to run out the clock and earn their first victory over an SEC opponent in 2007.

Auburn ended the game with 16 first downs to State's 14 and 110 more yards of total offense than MSU, but turnovers proved to be the story of the game with just one for MSU compared to five for AU.

As a team, MSU completed just five (of 18) pass attempts for 41 yards, but was able to rely on a powerful running game. RB Anthony Dixon was State's workhorse, finishing with 29 carries for 103 yards, while Christian Ducré contributed 63 yards on ten carries in addition to the game-winning touchdown for the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs' P Blake McAdams quietly posted an impressive performance by punting 6 times for an average of 43.3 yards, including a booming career-best 73 yard kick.

Five different Bulldog players recovered each of Auburn's turnovers: DE Jimmie Holmes and DT Kyle Love both recovered fumbles, while CB Anthony Johnson, SS Demario Bobo and FS Derek Pegues each intercepted AU passes. MSU LB Dominic Douglas again led all tacklers for the second time in his young (three-game) MSU career, with nine total.

After their slow 1-2 start, Auburn won their next four games, finished the season 9-4 by defeating Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and were ranked 14th in the country in the final Coaches poll.

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Gardner-Webb

"Last Meeting: First Meeting"

AFB Game Box Start
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Visitor = Runnin' Bulldogs
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V1 = 0 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 6 | V4 = 9
H1 = 14 | H2 = 14 | H3 = 3 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-09-22
Location = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, Starkville, Mississippi
StartTime = 6:00 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 43,272
Weather = 65F Party Cloudy
Referee =

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Quarter=1
Time=10:02
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Quarter=2
Time=1:18
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Time=4:34
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DriveLength=9-70
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yards=20
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Time=12:21
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yards=28
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Home=31

outh Carolina

"Last Meeting: August 31, 2006, L 0-15"
"Series Record: Tied 6-6"

AFB Game Box Start
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Visitor = Bulldogs
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V1 = 7 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 0
H1 = 7 | H2 = 10 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 14
Date = 2007-09-29
Location = Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
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Attendance = 78,883
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Referee =

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Visitor=0
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Time=5:17
Team=MSU
DriveLength=2-31
DriveTime=:50
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Aubrey Bell
yards=28
QB=Josh Riddell
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=7
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Time=13:28
Team=USC
DriveLength=4-37
DriveTime=1:52
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Kenny McKinley
yards=28
QB=Chris Smelley
kickresult=good
Kicker="Ryan Succop"
Visitor=7
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=2:20
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DriveLength=14-62
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yards=1
kickresult=good
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Quarter=2
Time=:02
Team=USC
DriveLength=10-54
DriveTime=2:18
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yards=45
Kicker=Ryan Succop
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Quarter=3
Time=8:56
Team=MSU
DriveLength=5-48
DriveTime=1:43
Type=RushTD
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yards=2
kickresult=good
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Visitor=21
Home=17AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=3:43
Team=USC
DriveLength=1-27
DriveTime=:08
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Kenny McKinley
yards=27
QB=Chris Smelley
kickresult=good
Kicker="Ryan Succop"
Visitor=21
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Quarter=4
Time=14:07
Team=USC
DriveLength=5-79
DriveTime=2:34
Type=RushTD
Runner=Mike Davis
yards=2
kickresult=good
Kicker="Ryan Succop"
Visitor=21
Home=31AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=:58
Team=USC
DriveLength=6-63
DriveTime=2:24
Type=RushTD
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yards=12
kickresult=good
Kicker="Ryan Succop"
Visitor=21
Home=38

UAB

"Last Meeting: September 23, 2006, W 16-10 (OT)"
"Series Record: Tied 1-1"

AFB Game Box Start
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V1 = 0 | V2 = 10 | V3 = 3 | V4 = 0
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Date = 2007-10-06
Location = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, Starkville, Mississippi
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ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 45,259
Weather = 69F Mostly Cloudy with Showers in area
Referee =

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Team=UAB
DriveLength=6-30
DriveTime=2:00
Type=FG
yards=42
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Quarter=2
Time=10:01
Team=MSU
DriveLength=5-23
DriveTime=1:53
Type=FG
yards=39
Kicker=Adam Carlson
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Quarter=2
Time=3:12
Team=UAB
DriveLength=13-87
DriveTime=6:41
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Frantrell Forrest
yards=31
QB=Sam Hunt
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Kicker="Swayze Waters"
Visitor=10
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Quarter=3
Time=5:46
Team=MSU
DriveLength=17-75
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Type=RushTD
Runner=Anthony Dixon
yards=1
kickresult=no good
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Visitor=10
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Quarter=3
Time=2:24
Team=UAB
DriveLength=8-69
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yards=29
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Quarter=4
Time=8:00
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DriveLength=11-80
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yards=10
kickresult=good
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Quarter=4
Time=2:03
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DriveLength=9-60
DriveTime=3:52
Type=RushTD
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yards=12
kickresult=good
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Visitor=13
Home=23AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=1:49
Team=MSU
DriveLength=--
DriveTime=--
Type=IntTD
yards=30
Def=Anthony Johnson
kickresult=good
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Visitor=13
Home=30

Tennessee

"Last Meeting: November 15, 2003, L 21-59"
"Series Record: MSU trails 15-26-1"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = #25 VOLUNTEERS
Host = Bulldogs
V1 = 7 | V2 = 10 | V3 = 10 | V4 = 6
H1 = 7 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-10-13
Location = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, Starkville, Mississippi
StartTime = 1:30 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 50,217
Weather = 66F Fair Skies
Referee =

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=9:05
Team=TENN
DriveLength=9-78
DriveTime=2:53
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Chris Brown
yards=4
QB=Erik Ainge
kickresult=good
Kicker="Daniel Lincoln"
Visitor=7
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=5:21
Team=MSU
DriveLength=3-38
DriveTime=:50
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Tony Burks
yards=38
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=7
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=14:52
Team=MSU
DriveLength=8-76
DriveTime=3:10
Type=RushTD
Runner=Anthony Dixon
yards=30
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=7
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=8:05
Team=TENN
DriveLength=5-78
DriveTime=1:56
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Lucas Taylor
yards=51
QB=Erik Ainge
kickresult=good
Kicker="Daniel Lincoln"
Visitor=14
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=:02
Team=TENN
DriveLength=3-26
DriveTime=:18
Type=FG
yards=47
Kicker=Daniel Lincoln
Visitor=17
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=12:12
Team=TENN
DriveLength=9-67
DriveTime=2:41
Type=RushTD
Runner=Arian Foster
yards=1
kickresult=good
Kicker="Daniel Lincoln"
Visitor=24
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=8:21
Team=MSU
DriveLength=8-62
DriveTime=3:43
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Jamayel Smith
yards=14
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=24
Home=21AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=3:47
Team=TENN
DriveLength=12-70
DriveTime=4:30
Type=FG
yards=29
Kicker=Daniel Lincoln
Visitor=27
Home=21AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=5:45
Team=TENN
DriveLength=14-69
DriveTime=5:42
Type=FG
yards=26
Kicker=Daniel Lincoln
Visitor=30
Home=21AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=2:32
Team=TENN
DriveLength=5-16
DriveTime=2:01
Type=FG
yards=43
Kicker=Daniel Lincoln
Visitor=33
Home=21

West Virginia

"Last Meeting: October 7, 2006, L 14-42"
"Series Record: MSU trails 0-1"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = Bulldogs
Host = #9 MOUNTAINEERS
V1 = 0 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 6 | V4 = 0
H1 = 28 | H2 = 3 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 7
Date = 2007-10-20
Location = Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West Virginia
StartTime = 2:30 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 61,022
Weather = 53F Partly Cloudy
Referee =

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=14:39
Team=WVU
DriveLength=1-64
DriveTime=:21
Type=RushTD
Runner=Pat White
yards=64
kickresult=good
Kicker="Pat McAfee"
Visitor=0
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=7:46
Team=WVU
DriveLength=12-88
DriveTime=5:41
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Owen Schmitt
yards=12
QB=Pat White
kickresult=good
Kicker="Pat McAfee"
Visitor=0
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=6:09
Team=WVU
DriveLength=3-16
DriveTime=1:13
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Darius Reynaud
yards=10
QB=Pat White
kickresult=good
Kicker="Pat McAfee"
Visitor=0
Home=21AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=2:20
Team=WVU
DriveLength=5-48
DriveTime=1:37
Type=RushTD
Runner=Steve Slaton
yards=26
kickresult=good
Kicker="Pat McAfee"
Visitor=0
Home=28AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=14:54
Team=WVU
DriveLength=4-5
DriveTime=1:32
Type=FG
yards=42
Kicker=Pat McAfee
Visitor=0
Home=31AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=3:51
Team=MSU
DriveLength=5-29
DriveTime=2:32
Type=RushTD
Runner=Anthony Dixon
yards=1
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=7
Home=31AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=9:50
Team=MSU
DriveLength=13-58
DriveTime=5:10
Type=RushTD
Runner=Christian Ducré
yards=3
2pt type=pass
2pt result=no good
Visitor=13
Home=31AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=14:19
Team=WVU
DriveLength=7-48
DriveTime=1:44
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Darius Reynaud
yards=13
QB=Jarrett Brown
kickresult=good
Kicker="Pat McAfee"
Visitor=13
Home=38AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=13|Home=38

Kentucky

"Last Meeting: October 28, 2006, L 31-34"
"Series Record: MSU trails 14-20"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = BULLDOGS
Host = #14 Wildcats
V1 = 7 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 10 | V4 = 7
H1 = 7 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-10-27
Location = Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky
StartTime = 11:30 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 68,173
Weather = 39F Cloudy Skies
Referee =

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=9:08
Team=MSU
DriveLength=14-80
DriveTime=5:52
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Jason Husband
yards=11
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=7
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=5:17
Team=UK
DriveLength=9-73
DriveTime=3:45
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Steve Johnson
yards=18
QB=André Woodson
kickresult=good
Kicker="Lones Seiber"
Visitor=7
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=13:36
Team=MSU
DriveLength=17-80
DriveTime=6:41
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Anthony Dixon
yards=1
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=14
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=12:27
Team=MSU
DriveLength=7-19
DriveTime=2:33
Type=FG
yards=31
Kicker=Adam Carlson
Visitor=17
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=8:16
Team=MSU
DriveLength=5-26
DriveTime=1:58
Type=RushTD
Runner=Anthony Dixon
yards=1
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=24
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=5:15
Team=UK
DriveLength=6-63
DriveTime=2:53
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Steve Johnson
yards=37
QB=André Woodson
kickresult=good
Kicker="Lones Seiber"
Visitor=24
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=8:15
Team=MSU
DriveLength=2-39
DriveTime=:53
Type=RushTD
Runner=Christian Ducré
yards=34
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=31
Home=14

Alabama

"Last Meeting: November 4, 2006, W 24-16"
"Series Record: MSU trails 17-71-3"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = #21 Crimson Tide
Host = BULLDOGS
V1 = 6 | V2 = 3 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 3
H1 = 0 | H2 = 10 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-11-10
Location = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, Starkville, Mississippi
StartTime = 11:30 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 56,188
Weather = 52F Clear and Windy
Referee =

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=12:00
Team=ALA
DriveLength=6-12
DriveTime=1:24
Type=FG
yards=39
Kicker=Leigh Tiffin
Visitor=3
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=8:25
Team=ALA
DriveLength=5-25
DriveTime=2:29
Type=FG
yards=51
Kicker=Leigh Tiffin
Visitor=6
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=8:39
Team=ALA
DriveLength=10-52
DriveTime=4:42
Type=FG
yards=29
Kicker=Leigh Tiffin
Visitor=9
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=4:12
Team=MSU
DriveLength=11-52
DriveTime=4:24
Type=FG
yards=35
Kicker=Adam Carlson
Visitor=9
Home=3AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=:04
Team=MSU
DriveLength=--
DriveTime=--
Type=IntTD
yards=100
Def=Anthony Johnson
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=9
Home=10AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=11:35
Team=MSU
DriveLength=5-25
DriveTime=1:40
Type=RushTD
Runner=Anthony Dixon
yards=3
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=9
Home=17AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=6:47
Team=ALA
DriveLength=10-44
DriveTime=3:58
Type=FG
yards=50
Kicker=Leigh Tiffin
Visitor=12
Home=17

Arkansas

"Last Meeting: November 18, 2006, L 14-28"
"Series Record: MSU trails 5-11-1"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = Bulldogs
Host = RAZORBACKS
V1 = 7 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 10 | V4 = 14
H1 = 0 | H2 = 24 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 14
Date = 2007-11-17
Location = War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, Arkansas
StartTime = 1:00 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 55,185
Weather = 47F Mostly Cloudy
Referee =

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=3:58
Team=MSU
DriveLength=15-80
DriveTime=6:25
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Jamayel Smith
yards=4
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=7
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=14:55
Team=ARK
DriveLength=9-45
DriveTime=4:03
Type=FG
yards=39
Kicker=Alex Tejada
Visitor=7
Home=3AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=10:44
Team=ARK
DriveLength=7-79
DriveTime=2:36
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Farod Jackson
yards=30
QB=Casey Dick
kickresult=good
Kicker="Alex Tejada"
Visitor=7
Home=10AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=5:01
Team=ARK
DriveLength=1-35
DriveTime=:08
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Robert Johnson
yards=35
QB=Casey Dick
kickresult=good
Kicker="Alex Tejada"
Visitor=7
Home=17AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=:43
Team=ARK
DriveLength=6-55
DriveTime=2:01
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Marcus Monk
yards=19
QB=Casey Dick
kickresult=good
Kicker="Alex Tejada"
Visitor=7
Home=24AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=10:20
Team=MSU
DriveLength=9-60
DriveTime=2:58
Type=FG
yards=25
Kicker=Adam Carlson
Visitor=10
Home=24AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=09:33
Team=ARK
DriveLength=2-67
DriveTime=:47
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Darren McFadden
yards=57
QB=Casey Dick
kickresult=good
Kicker="Alex Tejada"
Visitor=10
Home=31AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=3:17
Team=MSU
DriveLength=1-35
DriveTime=:07
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Tony Burks
yards=35
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=17
Home=31AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=9:44
Team=ARK
DriveLength=8-79
DriveTime=3:04
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Robert Johnson
yards=24
QB=Darren McFadden
kickresult=good
Kicker="Alex Tejada"
Visitor=17
Home=38AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=9:26
Team=MSU
DriveLength=2-80
DriveTime=:18
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Jamayel Smith
yards=80
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=24
Home=38AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=6:48
Team=ARK
DriveLength=--
DriveTime=--
Type=IntTD
Def=Antwain Robinson
yards=30
kickresult=good
Kicker="Alex Tejada"
Visitor=24
Home=45AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=5:00
Team=MSU
DriveLength=9-60
DriveTime=1:48
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Jason Husband
yards=19
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=31
Home=45

Mississippi (Egg Bowl)

"Last Meeting: November 25, 2006, L 17-20"
"Series Record: MSU trails 38-59-6"

AFB Game Box Start
Title =
Visitor = Rebels
Host = BULLDOGS
V1 = 7 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 0
H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 17
Date = 2007-11-23
Location = Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, Starkville, Mississippi
StartTime = 11:30 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 51,727
Weather = 33F Clear Skies
Referee =

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=1
Time=10:18
Team=MISS
DriveLength=12-75
DriveTime=4:42
Type=RushTD
Runner=BenJarvus Green-Ellis
yards=14
kickresult=good
Kicker="Joshua Shene"
Visitor=7
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=3
Time=7:26
Team=MISS
DriveLength=12-62
DriveTime=5:48
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Shay Hodge
yards=13
QB=Brent Schaeffer
kickresult=good
Kicker="Joshua Shene"
Visitor=14
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=7:51
Team=MSU
DriveLength=6-46
DriveTime=2:14
Type=RecTD
Receiver=Anthony Dixon
yards=4
QB=Wesley Carroll
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=14
Home=7AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=2:38
Team=MSU
DriveLength=--
DriveTime=--
Type=Other
Other=Derek Pegues 75-yard touchdown punt return, "Adam Carlson" kick good
yards=75
Visitor=14
Home=14AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=:12
Team=MSU
DriveLength=6-34
DriveTime=:31
Type=FG
yards=48
Kicker=Adam Carlson
Visitor=14
Home=17

Central Florida (Liberty Bowl)

"Last Meeting: October 25, 1997, W 35-28"
"Series Record: MSU leads 1-0"

NCAAFootballSingleGameHeader
Name=2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Date=December 29, 2007
Year=2007
Visitor School=University of Central Florida
Visitor Name Short=UCF
Visitor Nickname=Knights
Visitor Record=10-3, 7-1
Visitor

Visitor Coaches=
Visitor BCS=
Visitor Coach=George O'Leary
Visitor1=0
Visitor2=3
Visitor3=0
Visitor4=0
Visitor5=
Visitor6=
Visitor7=
Visitor Total=3
Home School=Mississippi State University
Home Name Short=Mississippi State
Home Nickname=Bulldogs
Home Record=7-5, 4-4
Home

Home Coaches=
Home BCS=
Home Coach=Sylvester Croom
Home1=0
Home2=3
Home3=0
Home4=7
Home5=
Home6=
Home7=
Home Total=10
Type=Liberty Bowl
Stadium=Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
City=Memphis, Tennessee


MVP=Derek Pegues, FS, Mississippi State
Odds=UCF by 3 [World Features Syndicate via "Long Beach Press-Telegram", Dec. 23, 2007]
Anthem=Kallen Esperian
Referee=Sun Belt officiating crew
Halftime= Taylor Hicks
Attendance=63,816
US Network=ESPN
US Announcers=Terry Gannon, David Norrie [cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2007/12/your-comprehensive-bowl-game-announcing.html |title=Your Comprehensive Bowl Game Announcing Schedule |date=2007-12-11 |accessdate=2007-12-30]

AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=11:49
Team=UCF
DriveLength=5-18
DriveTime=1:43
Type=FG
yards=45
Kicker=Michael Torres
Visitor=3
Home=0AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=2
Time=6:02
Team=MSU
DriveLength=4-1
DriveTime=1:37
Type=FG
yards=22
Kicker=Adam Carlson
Visitor=3
Home=3AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
Quarter=4
Time=1:54
Team=MSU
DriveLength=10-59
DriveTime=3:53
Type=RushTD
Runner=Anthony Dixon
yards=1
kickresult=good
Kicker="Adam Carlson"
Visitor=3
Home=10

Awards and Honors

References