Mississippi State
3-6 , 1-4
Kentucky
6-3 , 2-3
Kentucky Edges Mississippi State, 14-13
November 01, 2008 | Football
? Official Statistics STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State (3-6) failed to capitalize on second-half opportunities against Kentucky (6-3) as the Wildcats pulled out a 14-13 victory Saturday afternoon at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. State missed two opportunities in the kicking game that would have given them a lead in the fourth quarter but ultimately did not convert. The Bulldogs struck first midway through the first quarter when State quarterback Tyson Lee connected with Brandon McRae over the middle for a 29-yard touchdown completion, taking a 7-0 lead. After both teams exchanged punts much of the first half, Kentucky drove the ball deep inside of MSU territory late in the half. However, the Wildcats stalled at the Mississippi State 18-yard line and could not capitalize as Lones Seiber missed a 34-yard field goal right before the intermission. After a big kickoff return to open the second half, UK marched down the field, scoring on a five-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Randall Cobb to tie the game at 7-7 and taking the momentum. After holding the Bulldogs on defense, the Wildcats went for 82 yards on 12 plays on their next drive finishing with a Maurice Grinter touchdown reception that gave UK a 14-7 lead. Momentum would swing again late in the third quarter as UK's Alfonso Smith's fumble forced and recovered by Cortez McCraney gave MSU possession at the Kentucky 31 yard line. Starting the final period, the Bulldogs took advantage of the fumble, turning it into a touchdown when Arnil Stallworth caught a Tyson Lee pass and scampered 10 yards to pull the Bulldogs within one. However, Adam Carlson's extra point was blocked by the Wildcats, leaving the score at 14-13. The Bulldogs would find another chance on Kentucky's next possession as Dominic Douglas picked off a Wildcat pass and returned it to the State 41. After a promising 10 play, 49-yard drive, State would come up short on a 27-yard field goal attempt by Carlson that careened off the left upright. Mississippi State would take possession two more times but could not convert as Kentucky forced a turnover on downs and an interception to seal the victory. Lee led the Bulldog passing attack, completing 26-42 passes for 261 yards. It marked the most passing yards by an MSU quarterback since Wesley Carroll's 421-yard effort against Arkansas last season. Stallworth hauled in a career-high eight passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, MSU was paced by Anthony Dixon who rushed 15 times for 48 yards. On defense, State was led by Dominic Douglas who totaled 15 stops and made his first-career interception. MSU will now enjoy an off week before traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face Alabama on Nov. 15.
? Official Statistics (PDF)
? Postgame Notes & Quotes (PDF)
Team Stats
UK 0, MS 7
MS - Brandon McRae 29 yd pass from Tyson Lee (Adam Carlson kick) 9 plays, 78 yards, TOP 4:23
UK 7, MS 7
UK - Randall Cobb 5 yd run (Lones Seiber kick), 9 plays, 53 yards, TOP 3:44
UK 14, MS 7
UK - Maurice Grinter 3 yd pass from Randall Cobb (Lones Seiber kick) 12 plays, 82 yards, TOP 4:52
UK 14, MS 13
MS - A Stallworth 10 yd pass from Tyson Lee (Adam Carlson kickblocked) 4 plays, 31 yards, TOP 1:11
