Mississippi State
3-5
Samford (HC)
6-2
State Downs Samford 56-41 For Homecoming Victory
October 29, 2016 | Football
The homestanding Bulldogs' offensive prowess was sparked by school record-tying performances from quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and receiver Donald Gray.
Fitzgerald connected on 20-of-35 passes for 417 yards and five touchdowns, the latter tying MSU's best mark set by Dak Prescott last season. Fitzgerald also rushed for two scores, tying the other school record set by Prescott in that same game with seven TDs responsible for in one game. By throwing for 400 yards and rushing for 100, Fitzgerald became the third quarterback in SEC history to earn a 400/100 game, joining Johnny Manziel (2012: 453 passing, 104 rushing) and Archie Manning (1969: 436 passing, 104 rushing).
Gray hauled in four receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns, the three scores also tying a school best set by two others previously (Sammy Milner, Chad Bumphis). Fred Ross led State with nine receptions for 107 yards a one touchdown.
Samford showed its ability to move the ball as well, particularly through the air. SU signal caller Delvin Hodges completed 42 of his 69 pass attempts for 468 yards and four scores. The majority of those passes went to Karel Hamilton (14 rec., 213 yds., 2 TD) and Kelvin McKnight (13 rec., 115 yds., 1 TD).
Defensively, MSU was paced by Richie Brown's 13 tackles. Johnathan Calvin had seven stops, including two for losses and 1.5 sacks.
State remains at home next Saturday, Nov. 5, returning to SEC action by hosting No. 9 Texas A&M at 11 a.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.
Team Stats
SAM 0, MS 7
MS - Malik Dear 25 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick) 6 plays, 70 yards, TOP 1:39
SAM 7, MS 7
SAM - Karel Hamilton 30 yd pass from Devlin Hodges (Reece Everett kick) 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:22
SAM 7, MS 14
MS - Donald Gray 71 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick) 2 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:40
SAM 7, MS 21
MS - Nick Fitzgerald 1 yd run (Westin Graves kick), 10 plays, 65 yards, TOP 3:11
SAM 10, MS 21
SAM - Reece Everett 32 yd field goal 5 plays, 60 yards, TOP 1:07
SAM 13, MS 21
SAM - Reece Everett 33 yd field goal 4 plays, -2 yards, TOP 1:16
SAM 20, MS 21
SAM - Andrew Harris 12 yd pass from Devlin Hodges (Reece Everett kick) 5 plays, 80 yards, TOP 1:10
SAM 20, MS 28
MS - Donald Gray 74 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick) 1 plays, 74 yards, TOP 0:10
SAM 20, MS 35
MS - Fred Ross 11 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick) 12 plays, 99 yards, TOP 4:54
SAM 26, MS 35
SAM - Karel Hamilton 45 yd pass from Devlin Hodges (Reece Everett kickblocked) 5 plays, 65 yards, TOP 1:22
SAM 26, MS 42
MS - Donald Gray 51 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Westin Graves kick) 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:21
SAM 26, MS 49
MS - DeAndre Ward 35 yd interception (Westin Graves kick)
SAM 33, MS 49
SAM - Kelvin McKnight 7 yd pass from Devlin Hodges (Reece Everett kick) 2 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:25
SAM 41, MS 49
SAM - Roland Adams 2 yd run (T.D. Marshall rush), 12 plays, 65 yards, TOP 3:14
SAM 41, MS 56
MS - Nick Fitzgerald 1 yd run (Westin Graves kick), 8 plays, 53 yards, TOP 3:16
