10 Notables From No. 18 MSU's 45-3 Win Over Louisiana Tech

Saturday, November 3

Starkville

6:30 PM

Mississippi State

Louisiana Tech [HC]

10 Notables From No. 18 MSU's 45-3 Win Over Louisiana Tech

November 03, 2018 | Football

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by Caleb Garner, Graduate Assistant/Communications

STARKVILLE – It only took four plays for No. 18 Mississippi State to start its scoring frenzy on Saturday night, as the Bulldogs (6-3) scored early and often in a 45-3 Homecoming rout of Louisiana Tech (6-3).

State got another standout performance from senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who netted 243 yards through the air and 107 on the ground. That performance marked the seventh time in his career he had passed for 200-plus yards, as well as run for over 100 yards, in a contest.

"We came out firing on all cylinders in all three phases of the game to become bowl-eligible, which is one of our barometers for success," head coach Joe Moorhead said. "I'm very proud of our program, and I thought it was another great home win and was excited about how much fan support we got, as well."

As a team, State racked up 532 total yards, while holding LTU to just 238 – the second straight game that MSU has held opponents to under 300 yards of total offense. Additionally, MSU's defense held the Tech air raid to just 98 yards, well below its season average. On the ground, MSU ran for 289 yards, while tossing for 243.

MSU got out to a quick 7-0 lead just four plays into the contest and did not look back as it held a commanding 21-3 lead after one quarter. For the second week in a row, the Bulldogs' first score came on a touchdown strike from Fitzgerald to Stephen Guidry. He was joined by three other Bulldogs with scoring receptions in the contest as Kylin Hill, Deddrick Thomas and Jesse Jackson all hauled in DTs from Fitzgerald.

Aeris Williams and backup QB Keyteon Thompson both added late rushing scores as well.

Erroll Thompson paced the very effective Bulldog defensive unit with nine tackles on the night. Mark McLaurin added seven stops and Johnathan Abram six. Montez Sweat upped his team-leading sack total to 9.5 with one takedown of the LTU signal caller.

Louisiana Tech's lone score came in the first period on a 46-yard field goal by Bailey Hale.

Next Up For MSU …
The Bulldogs jump back into SEC play on the road next Saturday, Nov. 10, to battle top-ranked Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. It will be the 103rd meeting in the lengthy series. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. CT and the contest will be televised nationally by the CBS.

10 Things To Note From MSU's Win Over Louisiana Tech …

Top Scoring D Strikes Again

Mississippi State's defense entered Saturday having allowed just 9 touchdowns all season, which ranked first nationally. State continued to make scoring difficult for the opposition, holding LA Tech to just a field goal. In the last 51 possessions, MSU's defense has allowed just two touchdowns.

Making The Most Of Red Zone Chances

The Bulldogs found themselves inside the 20 three times on Saturday night, and made the most of every chance they got. State was a perfect 3-for-3 in red zone opportunities

Holding Onto The Ball

Bulldog ball carriers have been quite adept at maintaining possession, having not lost a fumble in a staggering 423 carries (among all positions) – a feat which dates back to last season. The clubhouse leader is Nick Fitzgerald, who has not lost a fumble in 458 carries.

Keeping Drives Going

In State's last three wins, one of the keys has been its performance on third down plays. Against LA Tech, MSU was 5-of-10 on third downs, while holding its opponents to just 5-of-14. As a result of MSU's success on third down, the Bulldogs posted 26 first downs, the most since recording 29 against Louisiana on Sept. 15.

Bulldogs Dominate Yards-Per-Play

In the yards-per-play category, MSU averaged an outstanding 8.2 yards, which contributed to its ability to keep drives moving on offense. The Bulldogs averaged 14.3 yards/catch, while also averaging 8 yards per rush

Big-Play Potential

The Bulldogs tallied an impressive eight plays of 20 yards or more Saturday night, bringing their season total to 51.

You Shall Not Pass!

MSU's passing defense was stellar Saturday night, holding LA Tech to just 98 yards through the air, which was LA Tech's lowest total of the year and the fewest yards allowed by MSU since allowing 15 against run-heavy Charleston Southern on Sept. 2, 2017. LA Tech entered Saturday's game averaging nearly 250 yards through the air.

Bulldogs Consistently Running For 200-plus

State dashed for 289 yards on the ground Saturday night against Louisiana Tech, marking the sixth time this year that it eclipsed the 200-yard rushing mark. Since the start of the 2016 campaign, MSU has achieved the feat 23 times, while eclipsing 250 yards in 16 of its last 29 outings.

First Quarter, Best Quarter

Defensively, in the first quarter, MSU has been outstanding at keeping opponents from scoring. By only allowing a field goal against LA Tech, State has allowed just one first-quarter touchdown all season and just 19 points in the first stanza all year.

Dawgs Forcing Takeaways

Stephen Adegoke hauled in an interception in the fourth quarter, marking the eighth game this season that MSU has recorded an interception. It was also the 12^th straight game that the Bulldogs have forced a turnover.

Quotable …
"I think it's very apparent that I'm a lot more comfortable in the pocket and a lot more comfortable in the pass game. I've really liked our last two games and the plan that we had to go attack them. I felt comfortable doing it and commanding it out there. It was definitely another solid week." – Senior QB Nick Fitzgerald, on his performance the past two weeks