Mississippi State
2-1 , 0-0
Memphis
3-0 , 0-0
Late Surge Falls Short As MSU Drops 31-29 Decision At Memphis
September 18, 2021 | Football, Joel Coleman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Mississippi State scored a pair of touchdowns in the final minutes to nearly complete a late comeback, but the Bulldogs ultimately came up short and fell on the road to Memphis, 31-29.
Down 28-17 with just over three minutes to play, MSU quarterback Will Rogers bookended a Memphis field goal with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Malik Heath and a 36-yard scoring toss to Makai Polk. However, the Bulldogs failed on a potential game-tying two-point conversion attempt when Rogers' scramble came up about a yard short of the goal line.
Even in defeat, it was a strong showing for Rogers. The State signal caller passed for 419 yards, which stands as the eighth-best single-game mark in MSU history. Rogers also threw for three touchdowns as he set new State single-game records in completions and attempts by connecting on 50 of his 67 passes.
Others had standout individual showings as well. Polk set career highs in both catches and yardage, hauling in 11 passes for 136 yards. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes came through with his sixth career interception. Cornerback Martin Emerson and linebacker Jett Johnson tied for the team lead with eight total tackles each.
For much of the day, MSU was in control. The Bulldogs scored 17 unanswered points following a Memphis 49-yard fumble return on State's first drive of the game.
Mississippi State first clawed into the Tiger lead by putting together its longest scoring drive of the season. MSU's Nolan McCord drilled a career-long 39-yard field goal to cap a 17-play series and pull State within four points at 7-3.
Early in the second quarter, the Bulldogs surged ahead. Polk hauled in five receptions on MSU's go-ahead drive. With 9:58 left in the period, Dillon Johnson's three-yard run into the end zone put State in front 10-7.
Less than five minutes of game action later, the Bulldogs added to their advantage when Rogers connected with Walley on a six-yard touchdown pass that put MSU up 17-7.
The score held until the late in the third quarter. Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan threw a pair of touchdown passes – one in the third quarter and one in the fourth – to put the Tigers up 21-17. Then, Memphis later returned a punt 94 yards for a score to go up 28-17 with only 5:36 to play.
From there, the Bulldogs began their rally but it wasn't enough. Following State's failed two-point attempt with 1:32 left, MSU's chances were ended when the Bulldogs weren't able to recover the ensuing onside kick.
Mississippi State opens Southeastern Conference play as the Bulldogs host LSU at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 25. The game is set for an 11 a.m. kickoff and will be televised by ESPN.
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on its social media platforms by searching for "HailStateFB" on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Team Stats
MSU 0, MEM 7
MEM - Blake,Sanchez 49 yd fumble recovery (Doyle,Joe kick)
MSU 3, MEM 7
MSU - Mccord,Nolan 39 yd field goal 17 plays, 54 yards, TOP 08:39
MSU 10, MEM 7
MSU - Johnson,Dillon 3 yd run (Mccord,Nolan kick), 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:28
MSU 17, MEM 7
MSU - Walley,Jaden 6 yd pass from Rogers,Will (Mccord,Nolan kick) 9 plays, 81 yards, TOP 03:41
MSU 17, MEM 14
MEM - Austin III,Calvin 21 yd pass from Henigan,Seth (Doyle,Joe kick) 12 plays, 98 yards, TOP 04:59
MSU 17, MEM 21
MEM - Austin III,Calvin 25 yd pass from Henigan,Seth (Doyle,Joe kick) 4 plays, 36 yards, TOP 01:18
MSU 17, MEM 28
MEM - Austin III,Calvin 94 yd punt return (Doyle,Joe kick)
MSU 23, MEM 28
MSU - Heath,Malik 9 yd pass from Rogers,Will () 6 plays, 57 yards, TOP 02:29
MSU 23, MEM 31
MEM - Doyle,Joe 51 yd field goal 4 plays, 4 yards, TOP 00:58
MSU 29, MEM 31
MSU - Polk,Makai 36 yd pass from Rogers,Will () 2 plays, 65 yards, TOP 00:29
