Saturday, November 17
Starkville
11:00 AM
Mississippi State
7-4 , 3-4
52
vs
6
Arkansas
2-9 , 0-7
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Arkansas
0
3
3
0
6
Mississippi State
3
14
21
14
52
10 Notables From MSU's 52-6 Win Over Arkansas
November 17, 2018 | Football
by Caleb Garner, MSU Graduate Assistant/Communications
STARKVILLE – Several seniors, playing in their final game at Davis Wade Stadium, were instrumental in helping No. 21 Mississippi State post a dominant 52-6 victory over Arkansas on Saturday.
The Bulldogs (7-4, 3-4 SEC) were led by Nick Fitzgerald, who accounted for 212 total yards and five scores (4 passing, 1 rushing) to dismantle the Razorbacks (2-9, 0-7) in the final home game of his career. All four of Fitzgerald's scoring strikes came in the second half. Senior Aeris Williams led all rushers with 104 yards on 15 carries for an impressive 6.9 yards per carry.
"I thought we responded well and played a complete game," head coach Joe Moorhead said. "I thought we executed at a high level in all three phases. We're excited about the win. Most importantly, for this senior class in their final game at Davis Wade Stadium. I know there were a lot of emotions. For them to cap it off with a performance like this against an SEC team, I couldn't be happier for them for everything they've done."
State, as it has all year, put up yet another strong defensive performance against Arkansas – allowing just 219 total yards and had a nice day against the Hogs' run game, only allowing 69 yards on the ground. Senior Johnathan Abram led the charge with a career-high 12 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss (1.5 sacks), two QB hurries and a forced fumble. C.J. Morgan also hauled in an interception in the third period.
MSU led from the opening drive, with Jace Christmann starting the scoring frenzy by connecting on a 19-yard field goal to cap off a 14-play, 81-yard drive. The Bulldogs scored 17 unanswered before Arkansas netted the first of its two field goals of the day in the second quarter.
After Arkansas cut MSU's lead to 17-6, State rattled off 35 unanswered points to wrap the win in maroon and white. Keytaon Thompson added a late touchdown pass to Austin Williams - his second of the fourth quarter - to cap scoring in the contest.
10 Notables From MSU's Win Over Arkansas …
1. Fitzgerald Tops Rushing TD Charts On Senior Day
With his 2-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, Nick Fitzgerald became MSU's all-time rushing touchdowns leader. Fitzgerald also moved up in the SEC record books, passing Johnny Manziel for eighth all-time in touchdowns responsible for. Also in the SEC charts, Fitzgerald tied Bo Jackson in rushing scores responsible for at 43.
2. Run, Bulldogs, Run
MSU found early success on the ground Saturday and stuck with it, racking up 287 yards on 47 attempts, led by Aeris Williams' best game of the year in which he amassed 104 yards rushing on 15 carries. Williams' performance marked the eighth time the West Point, Mississippi, product has eclipsed the 100-yard mark.
3. Turnovers, anyone?
With a pair of fumble recoveries, the Bulldogs extended their streak of forcing a turnover to 14 games dating back to the 2017 contest at Arkansas.
4. Bulldog D Not Giving Up Much In First Quarter
State closed out its home slate much like it opened it – in dominant fashion – partly due to its stout defense that did not allow a first-quarter touchdown at home all season.
5. Inside The Red Zone
Offensively on Saturday, MSU was a perfect 6-of-6 inside the 20, with five of those six scores being touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs' defense was just as effective, limiting Arkansas to 2-of-4 in redzone drives, surrendering just a pair of field goals.
6. Johnathan Abram's Big Senior Day
Johnathan Abram made sure his final game at Davis Wade Stadium was one for the books, as the Columbia, Mississippi, native turned in a highlight-reel performance with a career-high 12 tackles (7 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Abram was also credited with a game-high 2 QB hurries.
7. Keeping Drives Alive
State was effective at controlling the clock and the ball throughout the day, holding nearly a 5-minute advantage in time of possession. That success was partly due to MSU's ability to extend drives and be effective in third-down situations—tying its season high with 29 first downs and going a stellar 7-of-10 on third down.
8. Top Scoring D Continues To Dominate
By holding Arkansas to just six points on Saturday, the nation's top scoring defense continued to shine, having now held opponents to less than 14 points in eight of 11 games, the best in the FBS. It was also the ninth time this season that MSU has allowed under 21 points—the best in the nation.
9. Dawgs' Rush D Holds Strong (Again)
State held the Razorbacks to just 69 yards on the ground, marking the fifth time this season the Bulldogs have held opponents to under 100 yards rushing. It was also the third time MSU's run defense held an opposing offense to under 75 yards rushing.
10. Bulldogs Continue Run Of Success Against Hogs
Saturday's 52-6 win over Arkansas was not only MSU's most lopsided victory in the series, but also was the second-straight victory against UA and its sixth in the last seven meetings.
Quotable …
"Five years is a really long time. I've learned a lot and have definitely been shaped by these coaches and the support staff around here into the young man I'm proud to be today. I couldn't be happier with the choice that I made coming here and with the five years I've been here." – Senior QB Nick Fitzgerald, reflecting on his time at MSU
Next Up For MSU …
The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the annual regular-season-ending Battle for the Golden Egg, set for Thanksgiving night (Nov. 22) vs. Ole Miss in Oxford. Game time is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT at UM's Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the contest will be televised nationally by ESPN.
STARKVILLE – Several seniors, playing in their final game at Davis Wade Stadium, were instrumental in helping No. 21 Mississippi State post a dominant 52-6 victory over Arkansas on Saturday.
The Bulldogs (7-4, 3-4 SEC) were led by Nick Fitzgerald, who accounted for 212 total yards and five scores (4 passing, 1 rushing) to dismantle the Razorbacks (2-9, 0-7) in the final home game of his career. All four of Fitzgerald's scoring strikes came in the second half. Senior Aeris Williams led all rushers with 104 yards on 15 carries for an impressive 6.9 yards per carry.
"I thought we responded well and played a complete game," head coach Joe Moorhead said. "I thought we executed at a high level in all three phases. We're excited about the win. Most importantly, for this senior class in their final game at Davis Wade Stadium. I know there were a lot of emotions. For them to cap it off with a performance like this against an SEC team, I couldn't be happier for them for everything they've done."
State, as it has all year, put up yet another strong defensive performance against Arkansas – allowing just 219 total yards and had a nice day against the Hogs' run game, only allowing 69 yards on the ground. Senior Johnathan Abram led the charge with a career-high 12 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss (1.5 sacks), two QB hurries and a forced fumble. C.J. Morgan also hauled in an interception in the third period.
MSU led from the opening drive, with Jace Christmann starting the scoring frenzy by connecting on a 19-yard field goal to cap off a 14-play, 81-yard drive. The Bulldogs scored 17 unanswered before Arkansas netted the first of its two field goals of the day in the second quarter.
After Arkansas cut MSU's lead to 17-6, State rattled off 35 unanswered points to wrap the win in maroon and white. Keytaon Thompson added a late touchdown pass to Austin Williams - his second of the fourth quarter - to cap scoring in the contest.
10 Notables From MSU's Win Over Arkansas …
1. Fitzgerald Tops Rushing TD Charts On Senior Day
With his 2-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, Nick Fitzgerald became MSU's all-time rushing touchdowns leader. Fitzgerald also moved up in the SEC record books, passing Johnny Manziel for eighth all-time in touchdowns responsible for. Also in the SEC charts, Fitzgerald tied Bo Jackson in rushing scores responsible for at 43.
2. Run, Bulldogs, Run
MSU found early success on the ground Saturday and stuck with it, racking up 287 yards on 47 attempts, led by Aeris Williams' best game of the year in which he amassed 104 yards rushing on 15 carries. Williams' performance marked the eighth time the West Point, Mississippi, product has eclipsed the 100-yard mark.
3. Turnovers, anyone?
With a pair of fumble recoveries, the Bulldogs extended their streak of forcing a turnover to 14 games dating back to the 2017 contest at Arkansas.
4. Bulldog D Not Giving Up Much In First Quarter
State closed out its home slate much like it opened it – in dominant fashion – partly due to its stout defense that did not allow a first-quarter touchdown at home all season.
5. Inside The Red Zone
Offensively on Saturday, MSU was a perfect 6-of-6 inside the 20, with five of those six scores being touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs' defense was just as effective, limiting Arkansas to 2-of-4 in redzone drives, surrendering just a pair of field goals.
6. Johnathan Abram's Big Senior Day
Johnathan Abram made sure his final game at Davis Wade Stadium was one for the books, as the Columbia, Mississippi, native turned in a highlight-reel performance with a career-high 12 tackles (7 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Abram was also credited with a game-high 2 QB hurries.
7. Keeping Drives Alive
State was effective at controlling the clock and the ball throughout the day, holding nearly a 5-minute advantage in time of possession. That success was partly due to MSU's ability to extend drives and be effective in third-down situations—tying its season high with 29 first downs and going a stellar 7-of-10 on third down.
8. Top Scoring D Continues To Dominate
By holding Arkansas to just six points on Saturday, the nation's top scoring defense continued to shine, having now held opponents to less than 14 points in eight of 11 games, the best in the FBS. It was also the ninth time this season that MSU has allowed under 21 points—the best in the nation.
9. Dawgs' Rush D Holds Strong (Again)
State held the Razorbacks to just 69 yards on the ground, marking the fifth time this season the Bulldogs have held opponents to under 100 yards rushing. It was also the third time MSU's run defense held an opposing offense to under 75 yards rushing.
10. Bulldogs Continue Run Of Success Against Hogs
Saturday's 52-6 win over Arkansas was not only MSU's most lopsided victory in the series, but also was the second-straight victory against UA and its sixth in the last seven meetings.
Quotable …
"Five years is a really long time. I've learned a lot and have definitely been shaped by these coaches and the support staff around here into the young man I'm proud to be today. I couldn't be happier with the choice that I made coming here and with the five years I've been here." – Senior QB Nick Fitzgerald, reflecting on his time at MSU
Next Up For MSU …
The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the annual regular-season-ending Battle for the Golden Egg, set for Thanksgiving night (Nov. 22) vs. Ole Miss in Oxford. Game time is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT at UM's Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the contest will be televised nationally by ESPN.
Team Stats
AR
MS
Total Yards
219
475
Pass Yards
150
188
Rushing Yards
69
287
Penalty Yards
85
60
1st Downs
17
29
3rd Downs
5
7
4th Downs
1
1
TOP
27:39
32:21
1st Quarter
AR 0, MS 3
MS - Jace Christmann 19 yd field goal 14 plays, 81 yards, TOP 6:33
2nd Quarter
AR 0, MS 10
MS - Nick Fitzgerald 2 yd run (Jace Christmann kick), 11 plays, 53 yards, TOP 4:53
AR 0, MS 17
MS - Nick Gibson 8 yd run (Jace Christmann kick), 8 plays, 72 yards, TOP 4:11
AR 3, MS 17
AR - Connor Limpert 36 yd field goal 13 plays, 52 yards, TOP 2:48
3rd Quarter
AR 6, MS 17
AR - Connor Limpert 32 yd field goal 7 plays, 60 yards, TOP 3:35
AR 6, MS 24
MS - Justin Johnson 34 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Jace Christmann kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:37
AR 6, MS 31
MS - Keith Mixon 4 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Jace Christmann kick) 1 plays, 4 yards, TOP 0:04
AR 6, MS 38
MS - Osirus Mitchell 15 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Jordan Lawless kick) 3 plays, 58 yards, TOP 1:17
4th Quarter
AR 6, MS 45
MS - Austin Williams 19 yd pass from Nick Fitzgerald (Jordan Lawless kick) 6 plays, 50 yards, TOP 3:02
AR 6, MS 52
MS - Austin Williams 33 yd pass from K. Thompson (Jordan Lawless kick) 8 plays, 72 yards, TOP 4:01
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
9
TD
4
YDS
127
INT
0
CMP
3
TD
1
YDS
61
INT
0
Players Mentioned
S
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K
/ FootballQB
/ Football
S
/ FootballQB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
WR
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