Mississippi State
3-2 , 1-2
South Carolina
4-1 , 2-1
Gamecocks Pull Away From Bulldogs Late, 38-21
September 29, 2007 | Football
? Official Statistics
? Official Statistics (PDF)
? Postgame Notes & Quotes (PDF)
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Despite taking a lead early in the second half, Mississippi State's upset bid at 16th-ranked South Carolina fell short Saturday as the Gamecocks used a blocked punt to change momentum and pull away for a 38-21 victory. It marked the fifth win in a row for USC (4-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) in the series with MSU (3-2, 1-2) and broke a three-game State win streak.
With South Carolina leading 17-14 at halftime, neither team mounted much of a drive on their first tries of the second half. But State, on its second possession of the third quarter, would take the lead on a solid scoring drive of five plays, all rushes by Christian Ducr? and Anthony Dixon. Dixon finished off the march with a 2-yard jaunt and MSU led 21-17 at the 8:56 mark of the third.
The Bulldog defense stepped up strong on the ensuing USC drive, forcing a 50-yard field goal attempt by Ryan Succop, a kick that sailed wide left. But as quickly as State seemed to have gained a bit of momentum in the game, it would lose it just as fast. After the Gamecocks stopped MSU on five plays, Eric Norwood broke through the line and blocked Blake McAdams' punt, which Carolina recovered on the MSU 27. On the very next play, Gamecock quarterback Chris Smelley hit receiver Kenny McKinley near the goal line and McKinley then darted into the end zone to put the home squad back on top 24-21.
The longest drive State would muster following that scenario was 32 yards. Meanwhile, USC tacked on two more touchdowns, both rushes by back Mike Davis, to pull away for the victory.
The Bulldog offensive production was once again led by Dixon, who amassed 83 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Ducr? added 68 rushing yards for the MSU cause. Josh Riddell, in his first career start at quarterback for State, went 9-for-21 for 101 yards, a touchdown and one interception.
Gabe O'Neal and Anthony Johnson led the way defensively for State with seven tackles apiece. Titus Brown adds two more sacks to his SEC-leading total. Derek Pegues tallied the lone Bulldog interception of the afternoon.
The Gamecocks were paced by Davis, who had 59 yards and three scores on the ground. McKinley was also stellar on the receiving end, hauling in four catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Smelley was solid in his new starting role for USC, completing 19-of-37 aerials for 279 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
In a penalty-plagued first half (15 called between the two teams), South Carolina got on the board first in the game taking the opening drive 12 plays and capping it with a 3-yard touchdown run by Davis.
After the teams traded possessions and McAdams pinned the Gamecocks at their own 3-yard line, MSU capitalized by stopping USC on three downs and forcing an errant punt that gave the Bulldogs the ball on the USC 31. Two plays later, Riddell found Aubrey Bell for a 28-yard touchdown pass.
South Carolina got good field position for its next score, a punt return leaving the ball at the MSU 37. The fourth play of the drive saw Smelley find McKinley for a 20-yard touchdown.
But the Bulldogs would answer again on its last drive of the first half, taking the ball 62 yards on 14 plays, highlighted by solid running from Ducr? and Dixon - Dixon scoring from a yard out.
South Carolina used the remaining 2:20 of the half to take a small lead into the locker room. After gaining 54 yards on 10 quick plays, Succop nailed a 45-yard field goal for a 17-14 USC advantage.
MSU now returns home to host UAB for homecoming next Saturday, Oct. 6. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
Team Stats
MS 0, SC 7
SC - Mike Davis 3 yd run (Ryan Succop kick), 12 plays, 69 yards, TOP 4:38
MS 7, SC 7
MS - Aubrey Bell 28 yd pass from Josh Riddell (Adam Carlson kick) 2 plays, 31 yards, TOP 0:50
MS 7, SC 14
SC - Kenny McKinley 20 yd pass from Chris Smelley (Ryan Succop kick) 4 plays, 37 yards, TOP 1:52
MS 14, SC 14
MS - Anthony Dixon 1 yd run (Adam Carlson kick), 14 plays, 62 yards, TOP 7:00
MS 14, SC 17
SC - Ryan Succop 45 yd field goal 10 plays, 54 yards, TOP 2:18
MS 21, SC 17
MS - Anthony Dixon 2 yd run (Adam Carlson kick), 5 plays, 48 yards, TOP 1:43
MS 21, SC 24
SC - Kenny McKinley 27 yd pass from Chris Smelley (Ryan Succop kick) 1 plays, 27 yards, TOP 0:08
MS 21, SC 31
SC - Mike Davis 2 yd run (Ryan Succop kick), 5 plays, 79 yards, TOP 2:34
MS 21, SC 38
SC - Mike Davis 12 yd run (Ryan Succop kick), 6 plays, 63 yards, TOP 2:24
