Postgame Notes: Mississippi State at Memphis
September 18, 2021 | Football
GENERAL
- Memphis won the coin toss and deferred to the second half.
- MSU's game captain was WR Austin Williams.
- Today's attendance was 43,461.
- One Bulldog made his MSU debut (P Archer Trafford).
- Mississippi State is now 14-6 all-time against Memphis in Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
- The Bulldogs are now 16-7 all-time in Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
OFFENSE
- The Bulldog offense is now 11-for-12 (91.7 percent, 9 TD, 2 FG) in the red zone this season.
- 4-for-5 today (3 TD, 1 FG).
- Completed an MSU and SEC single-game record 50 passes.
- Previous SEC: 47, by Kentucky, twice in 1998.
- Previous MSU: 45 at Ole Miss (Nov. 28, 2020).
- Tied for sixth-most by any Mike Leach-coached team.Â
- Attempted 67 passes, which ranks second in school history.
- Today marked the sixth time that MSU has passed for 300 or more yards under Mike Leach.
- Five Bulldogs have now extended their streak of games with a reception beyond 10 games.
- RB Jo'quavious Marks, 14 games (every game of his career); WR Malik Heath, 12 games; WR Makai Polk, 12 games; WR Jaden Walley, 12 games; WR Austin Williams, 12 games.
- MSU's field goal in the first quarter capped a 17-play drive, which is State's longest scoring drive in terms of plays this year.
- Outgained Memphis, 241-89, in total offense in the first half alone.
- Ran 43 plays in the first half, while holding Memphis to just 20 snaps.
DEFENSE
- Held the Memphis offense to 246 total yards.
- The Tigers led the NCAA in total offense entering the matchup, averaging 633.5 yards per game.
- Held Memphis to 12 first downs, which is tied for the seventh-fewest allowed by any Mike Leach-coached team.Â
- MSU has at least one takeaway in 37 of its last 42 games.
- DB Emmanuel Forbes intercepted a pass in the third quarter and returned it 21 yards to the Memphis 14-yard line.
- The Bulldogs have collected 74 takeaways in the 42-game span dating back to Nov. 18, 2017 at Arkansas.
- MSU has intercepted a pass in 27 of the last 40 games with 37 total picks in that span.
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
WR Malik Heath
- Matched his career high with nine receptions for a career-high 88 yards.
- Made his first career reception for a 2-yard gain.
- Recorded his first career carry for a 4-yard gain.
- Finished with three catches for 15 yards and two carries for five yards.
- Broke a career-long 14-yard run.
- Rushed for a 3-yard touchdown.
- Added a 27-yard kickoff return.
- Caught a career-high 11 passes to lead the team.
- Made five of MSU's eight receptions on its first touchdown drive of the game.
- Recorded a career-high 136 yards through the air.
- Second career 100-yard receiving game.
- MSU's highest receiving yard total since WR Jaden Walley totaled 176 at Ole Miss (Nov. 28, 2020).
- Caught a 41-yard pass that stands as State's longest play from scrimmage this year.
- Added a 36-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
- Plays were eighth and ninth career 20-plus-yard receptions.
- Has thrown a touchdown pass in nine straight games with 17Â touchdowns in that span.
- Completed 50 passes, which broke his own MSU single-game record.
- Previous: 45 by Will Rogers at Ole Miss (Nov. 28, 2020).
- Now holds four of the top five single-game marks in program history.
- Attempted a school-record 67 passes.
- Previous: 61 by Will Rogers at Ole Miss (Nov. 28, 2020).
- Threw for 419 yards, which ranks eighth in MSU single-game history.
- Second career 400-yard passing game.
- Recorded his fourth career 300-yard passing game, which is tied with Kevin Fant (2001-03) for second in MSU career history.
- School record: 9, Dak Prescott (2012-15).
- Recorded his eighth career 200-yard passing game, which is tied for eighth in MSU history with Don Smith (1983-86).
- School record: 29, Dak Prescott (2012-15).
- No. 7: 9, Derrick Taite (1993-96).
- MSU's career leader in completion percentage (70.9 percent, 361-of-509).
- Career No. 2: 64.1 percent by K.J. Costello (134-of-209; 2020).
- Career No. 3: 62.8 percent by Dak Prescott (734-of-1169; 2012-15).
- Completed 50-of-67 passes today (74.6 percent).
- Tied for the team lead with eight total tackles.
- Recorded 1.0 tackle for loss.
- Broke up a pass on fourth down.
- Intercepted a pass in the third quarter and returned it 21 yards to the Memphis 14-yard line.
- Sixth career interception, which would be tied for the SEC active career lead and tied for 23rd among active FBS players entering the weekend.
- Tied for the team lead with eight total tackles.
- Recorded 1.0 tackle for loss.
- Made a career-long 39-yard field goal.
- Made his MSU debut and booted a long punt of 57 yards.
Players Mentioned
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