Gameday: No. 16 Bulldogs Return Home vs. Louisiana
September 14, 2018 | Football
by Brandon Langlois, Associate Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Following its largest road victory over a Power 5 non-conference team since 1973, No. 16 Mississippi State hosts Louisiana at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday on ESPN2. MSU is 3-1 in the all-time series dating back to 1908. It's the first meeting between the two programs since State won, 31-3, on Sept. 5, 1987 in Starkville.
Storylines
— MSU throttled Kansas State, 31-10, last Saturday in Manhattan as Joe Moorhead became just the fourth Bulldog coach since 1939 to open a career with a 2-0 record, joining Jackie Sherrill (1991), Rockey Felker (1986) and College Football Hall of Famer Allyn McKeen (1939). Sherrill and McKeen both started 3-0.
— The Bulldogs climbed two spots to No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25 and Amway Coaches Poll released Sunday. It's the 10th consecutive week that State has been ranked dating back to Oct. 29 last season. It's also the first time since 2011 that MSU is in the rankings for the first three weeks of a season.
— Sophomore running back Kylin Hill and senior defensive end Montez Sweat were honored as Southeastern Conference Players of the Week earlier this week. Hill led all SEC running backs in Week 2 with a career-best 221 yards rushing on 17 carries to average 12.4 yards per touch, and totaled three touchdowns en route to being named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. He is the first MSU running back to win the honor since Josh Robinson in 2014. Picking up where he left off last season, Sweat earned his fourth Defensive Lineman of the Week honor of his career, which ties former Bulldog and current Philadelphia Eagle Fletcher Cox for the program record. Sweat continued his dominant play, registering three tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack against K-State.
— The owner of now 12 school records, senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald rushed for 159 yards at K-State in his first game since last year's Egg Bowl on Nov. 23, 2017 to pass Dak Prescott as MSU's all-time leader in QB rushing yards (2,645) and now ranks second in SEC history (302 shy of Tim Tebow's record). Fitzgerald ranks fifth in career rushing among all position players in MSU history with 2,645 rushing yards.
— Led by arguably college football's best defensive line duo in preseason All-Americans Sweat and junior nose guard Jeffery Simmons, MSU is tops nationally in tackles for loss (25.0). State is the only team in the FBS with multiple players inside the top four of the tackles for loss rankings (Sweat and Simmons rank tied for fourth with 5.5 TFLs each). Sweat also has 3.0 sacks, which is tied for the SEC lead and tied for second nationally.
Viewing Information
The game will be televised live on ESPN2 with Mark Neely (play-by-play), Barrett Jones (analyst) and Olivia Dekker (reporter) calling the action. Live streaming video is available via the Watch ESPN app and WatchESPN.com.
Listening Information
The MSU Sports Network C Spire Tailgate Show goes live at 4:30 p.m. Neil Price, Matt Wyatt and Jay Perry will call the game on the network (check for affiliates here). Live audio is also available for FREE at HailState.com and via the TuneIn app. For fans in Starkville, they can tune to 100.9 FM.
Tickets
The Davis Wade Stadium ticket office opens at 3:30 p.m. and all gates will open at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase on HailState.com. The C Spire Fan Zone opens at 2:30 p.m. The "Dawg Walk" will take place at 4:15 p.m. in the Junction.
What To Wear
Maroon or White
Quotable
"Our keys to victory as always will be how well we prepare, how hard we play and how well we execute … I'm excited to be back home in the friendly confines of Davis Wade Stadium. I'm excited to hear more cowbells, and I'm excited to keep this thing moving in a positive direction."
- MSU head coach Joe Moorhead
Social Media/Live Stats
Live updates from the game are available via MSU's official social media channels: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (click the links). Live stats are available via Stat Broadcast at MSU.StatBroadcast.com.
Softball To Retire Wilcox's Jersey
After inspiring the Starkville and softball community with her courageous battle with ovarian cancer, Mississippi State softball will honor Alex Wilcox by retiring her jersey the day before celebrating her life with an on-campus memorial service. Dubbed the "Snowman" by her teammates and family, Wilcox's jersey will be retired on Saturday in a special halftime ceremony. Wilcox will become the first female student-athlete in Mississippi State history to have her jersey retired.
The Series: MSU vs. Louisiana
— Mississippi State and Louisiana will be meeting for the fifth time and the first since Sept. 5, 1987.
— The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 3-1.
— All three MSU victories have been by 20 or more points.
— State has won three in a row in the series and suffered its only loss by a score of 6-5 on Oct. 23, 1908.
— It's only the second time in the last 72 years that the teams have faced off.
Metal Detector Procedures
In an effort to continue MSU's long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all gates of Davis Wade Stadium on football gamedays.
— When fans arrive at the gates of Davis Wade Stadium, they will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, approved seat cushions and cowbells in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors.
— Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects.
— Fans are encouraged to arrive at Davis Wade Stadium gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure a smooth entry.
— A complete FAQ on the walk-through metal detectors process at Davis Wade Stadium is available at HailState.com/metaldetector
Updated Parking Guidelines/ADA
— Visitors utilizing public parking lots on campus may notice two new changes. Through MSU's new partnership with SP+, fans can search, reserve and purchase in advance public parking spaces through ParkMobile.com or the ParkMobile.com app. Debit and credit cards are now the preferred option at public parking lots. For more on SP+ and ParkMobile.com, visit hailst.at/2PeyCfx.
— No tents, tables or chairs are permitted in parking spaces or on sidewalks.
— Parking on grass is permitted only in designated areas. (Available to general public)
— No parking is allowed on parking lot islands, medians, berms, or the shoulders of streets and roads.
— Parked vehicles must not obstruct traffic or pedestrian access to sidewalks.
— Parking spaces cannot be saved.
— Tailgating is permitted only in areas where traffic or parking is not obstructed and tailgaters must follow all picnic zone regulations.
— Parking areas must be cleared by 7 a.m. the day following the game.
— Reserved lot passes must be displayed at all times; misuse will result in loss of parking privileges.
— All buses must enter campus at the intersection of Hwy. 182 and George Perry St., turn east (left) on Bailey Howell Drive to Lee Blvd., and turn west (right) on Lee Blvd. to bus parking. Bus parking is available in front of Hilbun and Harned Halls (see map). Buses must exit campus via George Perry St. by turning north onto George Perry St. from Lee Blvd.
— REMINDER: Center campus roads close four (4) hours before kickoff (please see this map for road closure information (PDF)).
ADA Parking: Public and Reserved
— Please see this map for ADA parking lots. (PDF) On the map legend, ADA parking is blue. ADA season pass parking is light blue and is marked as Lots A, B and C.
— ADA public parking is now located in two parking lots...North ADA parking is located at the Research Park, off of Hwy 182. South ADA parking is located at the Rec Plex, off of Hailstate Blvd.
— Transit Services, beginning 4 hrs. before kickoff, will drop off North ADA at the Old Main Academic Building, and South ADA will drop off at Newell-Grissom.
— The Parking Assistance Center, is located in the Butler-Williams Building and, for assistance on gamedays, can be reached by calling 662-325-9114.
For MSU Football Gameday Parking locations/lots, please see this map. (PDF)
Clear Bag Policy
Fans are reminded of the SEC's league-wide clear bag policy. Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside SEC stadiums during football games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:
— Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
— One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
— Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand)
— An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at gates B and I of Davis Wade Stadium.
— Full details are available at HailState.com/clearbag.
Smoke Free Campus
Davis Wade Stadium is a clear air facility. Smoking in any form is prohibited on campus. For more details, visit smokefree.msstate.edu.
Weather
The forecast calls for sunny skies with a 10 percent chance of rain and temperatures around 90 degrees.
Gameday Questions?
For complete gameday information including, parking maps, road closures, traffic, and other important game day schedule and fan and visitor guides, visit HailState.com/gameday. Fans with game day questions, can tweet @HailStateFamily, the new official fan service and game day information hub of Mississippi State Athletics.
STARKVILLE – Following its largest road victory over a Power 5 non-conference team since 1973, No. 16 Mississippi State hosts Louisiana at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday on ESPN2. MSU is 3-1 in the all-time series dating back to 1908. It's the first meeting between the two programs since State won, 31-3, on Sept. 5, 1987 in Starkville.
Storylines
— MSU throttled Kansas State, 31-10, last Saturday in Manhattan as Joe Moorhead became just the fourth Bulldog coach since 1939 to open a career with a 2-0 record, joining Jackie Sherrill (1991), Rockey Felker (1986) and College Football Hall of Famer Allyn McKeen (1939). Sherrill and McKeen both started 3-0.
— The Bulldogs climbed two spots to No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25 and Amway Coaches Poll released Sunday. It's the 10th consecutive week that State has been ranked dating back to Oct. 29 last season. It's also the first time since 2011 that MSU is in the rankings for the first three weeks of a season.
— Sophomore running back Kylin Hill and senior defensive end Montez Sweat were honored as Southeastern Conference Players of the Week earlier this week. Hill led all SEC running backs in Week 2 with a career-best 221 yards rushing on 17 carries to average 12.4 yards per touch, and totaled three touchdowns en route to being named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. He is the first MSU running back to win the honor since Josh Robinson in 2014. Picking up where he left off last season, Sweat earned his fourth Defensive Lineman of the Week honor of his career, which ties former Bulldog and current Philadelphia Eagle Fletcher Cox for the program record. Sweat continued his dominant play, registering three tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack against K-State.
— The owner of now 12 school records, senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald rushed for 159 yards at K-State in his first game since last year's Egg Bowl on Nov. 23, 2017 to pass Dak Prescott as MSU's all-time leader in QB rushing yards (2,645) and now ranks second in SEC history (302 shy of Tim Tebow's record). Fitzgerald ranks fifth in career rushing among all position players in MSU history with 2,645 rushing yards.
— Led by arguably college football's best defensive line duo in preseason All-Americans Sweat and junior nose guard Jeffery Simmons, MSU is tops nationally in tackles for loss (25.0). State is the only team in the FBS with multiple players inside the top four of the tackles for loss rankings (Sweat and Simmons rank tied for fourth with 5.5 TFLs each). Sweat also has 3.0 sacks, which is tied for the SEC lead and tied for second nationally.
Viewing Information
The game will be televised live on ESPN2 with Mark Neely (play-by-play), Barrett Jones (analyst) and Olivia Dekker (reporter) calling the action. Live streaming video is available via the Watch ESPN app and WatchESPN.com.
Listening Information
The MSU Sports Network C Spire Tailgate Show goes live at 4:30 p.m. Neil Price, Matt Wyatt and Jay Perry will call the game on the network (check for affiliates here). Live audio is also available for FREE at HailState.com and via the TuneIn app. For fans in Starkville, they can tune to 100.9 FM.
Tickets
The Davis Wade Stadium ticket office opens at 3:30 p.m. and all gates will open at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase on HailState.com. The C Spire Fan Zone opens at 2:30 p.m. The "Dawg Walk" will take place at 4:15 p.m. in the Junction.
What To Wear
Maroon or White
Quotable
"Our keys to victory as always will be how well we prepare, how hard we play and how well we execute … I'm excited to be back home in the friendly confines of Davis Wade Stadium. I'm excited to hear more cowbells, and I'm excited to keep this thing moving in a positive direction."
- MSU head coach Joe Moorhead
Social Media/Live Stats
Live updates from the game are available via MSU's official social media channels: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (click the links). Live stats are available via Stat Broadcast at MSU.StatBroadcast.com.
Softball To Retire Wilcox's Jersey
After inspiring the Starkville and softball community with her courageous battle with ovarian cancer, Mississippi State softball will honor Alex Wilcox by retiring her jersey the day before celebrating her life with an on-campus memorial service. Dubbed the "Snowman" by her teammates and family, Wilcox's jersey will be retired on Saturday in a special halftime ceremony. Wilcox will become the first female student-athlete in Mississippi State history to have her jersey retired.
The Series: MSU vs. Louisiana
— Mississippi State and Louisiana will be meeting for the fifth time and the first since Sept. 5, 1987.
— The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 3-1.
— All three MSU victories have been by 20 or more points.
— State has won three in a row in the series and suffered its only loss by a score of 6-5 on Oct. 23, 1908.
— It's only the second time in the last 72 years that the teams have faced off.
Metal Detector Procedures
In an effort to continue MSU's long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all gates of Davis Wade Stadium on football gamedays.
— When fans arrive at the gates of Davis Wade Stadium, they will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, approved seat cushions and cowbells in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors.
— Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects.
— Fans are encouraged to arrive at Davis Wade Stadium gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure a smooth entry.
— A complete FAQ on the walk-through metal detectors process at Davis Wade Stadium is available at HailState.com/metaldetector
Updated Parking Guidelines/ADA
— Visitors utilizing public parking lots on campus may notice two new changes. Through MSU's new partnership with SP+, fans can search, reserve and purchase in advance public parking spaces through ParkMobile.com or the ParkMobile.com app. Debit and credit cards are now the preferred option at public parking lots. For more on SP+ and ParkMobile.com, visit hailst.at/2PeyCfx.
— No tents, tables or chairs are permitted in parking spaces or on sidewalks.
— Parking on grass is permitted only in designated areas. (Available to general public)
— No parking is allowed on parking lot islands, medians, berms, or the shoulders of streets and roads.
— Parked vehicles must not obstruct traffic or pedestrian access to sidewalks.
— Parking spaces cannot be saved.
— Tailgating is permitted only in areas where traffic or parking is not obstructed and tailgaters must follow all picnic zone regulations.
— Parking areas must be cleared by 7 a.m. the day following the game.
— Reserved lot passes must be displayed at all times; misuse will result in loss of parking privileges.
— All buses must enter campus at the intersection of Hwy. 182 and George Perry St., turn east (left) on Bailey Howell Drive to Lee Blvd., and turn west (right) on Lee Blvd. to bus parking. Bus parking is available in front of Hilbun and Harned Halls (see map). Buses must exit campus via George Perry St. by turning north onto George Perry St. from Lee Blvd.
— REMINDER: Center campus roads close four (4) hours before kickoff (please see this map for road closure information (PDF)).
ADA Parking: Public and Reserved
— Please see this map for ADA parking lots. (PDF) On the map legend, ADA parking is blue. ADA season pass parking is light blue and is marked as Lots A, B and C.
— ADA public parking is now located in two parking lots...North ADA parking is located at the Research Park, off of Hwy 182. South ADA parking is located at the Rec Plex, off of Hailstate Blvd.
— Transit Services, beginning 4 hrs. before kickoff, will drop off North ADA at the Old Main Academic Building, and South ADA will drop off at Newell-Grissom.
— The Parking Assistance Center, is located in the Butler-Williams Building and, for assistance on gamedays, can be reached by calling 662-325-9114.
For MSU Football Gameday Parking locations/lots, please see this map. (PDF)
Clear Bag Policy
Fans are reminded of the SEC's league-wide clear bag policy. Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside SEC stadiums during football games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:
— Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
— One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
— Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand)
— An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at gates B and I of Davis Wade Stadium.
— Full details are available at HailState.com/clearbag.
Smoke Free Campus
Davis Wade Stadium is a clear air facility. Smoking in any form is prohibited on campus. For more details, visit smokefree.msstate.edu.
Weather
The forecast calls for sunny skies with a 10 percent chance of rain and temperatures around 90 degrees.
Gameday Questions?
For complete gameday information including, parking maps, road closures, traffic, and other important game day schedule and fan and visitor guides, visit HailState.com/gameday. Fans with game day questions, can tweet @HailStateFamily, the new official fan service and game day information hub of Mississippi State Athletics.
Players Mentioned
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OF
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