Postgame Notes: Memphis at Mississippi State

Photo by: Kevin Snyder/MSU Athletics

September 04, 2022 | Football

By: Brian Ogden, Associate Director/Communications

GENERAL

Mississippi State won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.
MSU's game captain was WR Austin Williams.
Two Bulldogs made their first career starts: WR Caleb Ducking and WR Rufus Harvey
Fourteen Bulldogs made their MSU debut: DE Deonte Anderson, CB Marcus Banks, K Massimo Biscardi, P George Georgopoulos, OL Percy Lewis, OL Steven Losoya III, S Jackie Matthews, S Jordan Morant, CB DeCarlos Nicholson, K Ben Raybon, QB Sawyer Robertson, LS Rex Robich, WR Justin Robinson and WR Zavion Thomas.
Mike Leach has now won his season opener in all three of his years at Mississippi State.
The game was delayed for two hours and 14 minutes with 5:17 left to play in the first quarter due to lightning in the area. Play was suspended at 6:56 p.m. CT and resumed at 9:10 p.m.
Tonight's attendance was 54,360.
- That marks MSU's largest home attendance in Week 1 since 2016 (57,075).

OFFENSE

Turned in the 16th 400-yard passing game in school history and the ninth under head coach Mike Leach since 2020.
- Ranks eighth in school history.
Totaled 10 explosive passing plays (longer than 15 yards) for a total of 242 yards with four resulting in touchdowns.
Twelve different Bulldogs caught a pass with four hauling in five or more receptions, and four Bulldogs collecting 60 receiving yards or more.
MSU's offense possessed the ball for 41:11 in the game.
- 11:39 in the first quarter.
- 11:25 in the second quarter.
- 9:42 in the third quarter.
- 8:23 in the fourth quarter.
State outgained the Tigers, 294-29, in the first half.
- Converted 21 first downs (4 rush, 14 pass) while going 100 percent (7-for-7) on third downs in the first half.

DEFENSE

In the first half, MSU allowed just 29 yards on 16 plays and surrendered only one first down.
Since the start of the 2018 season, State has held 47 of its 51 opponents to fewer than 200 rushing yards.
- It is the 21st time in 25 games under defensive coordinator Zach Arnett who arrived in 2020.
- Since 2020, State is tied for third in the SEC with 21 games allowing 200 or fewer rushing yards.
Broke up four passes as a team, MSU's highest total since Sept. 11, 2021 against NC State (5).
Has a takeaway in 45 of its last 54 games.
- DE Jordan Davis forced a fumble that was recovered by S Shawn Preston Jr.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

WR Caleb Ducking

Hauled in a then-career-long 33-yard reception for his first catch of the year.
Later surpassed that with a 35-yard grab for his first career touchdown.
Totaled a career-high 73 yards through the air.
- Previous single-game receiving high was 40 yards.

WR Lideatrick Griffin

WR Antonio Harmon

WR Rufus Harvey

Posted career highs in both catches (5) and receiving yards (61).
Scored his second career touchdown on a career-long 33-yard grab in the fourth quarter.

RB Dillon Johnson

RB Jo'quavious Marks

Has now caught 145 passes in his career, which is fifth in MSU history.
- No. 4: 146, Sammy Milner (1968-70).
- Holds the MSU career record for receptions by a running back.
Has a reception in all 25 games of his career.
Rushed for a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter.
- Now has 11 career scores on the ground.

RB Simeon Price

Picked up a 20-yard gain on his first career reception with 25 yards coming after the catch.

QB Will Rogers

Threw for 450 yards and five touchdowns, which ranks fifth in MSU history.
- No. 4: 453, Dak Prescott, vs. Georgia Tech (2014).
- It was his sixth career 400-yard game.
- It was his 14th career 300-yard game, which is the school record.
- Five touchdowns is tied for second in school history with five other passers, including his own five-touchdown game against Tennessee State last year.
  - School record: 6, Will Rogers, at Auburn (2021).
Posted his 19th career 200-yard passing game, which is second in MSU history.
- School record: 29, Dak Prescott (2012-15).
Holds the MSU career record with 782 completions.
Broke the school record for career passing attempts at 1,078.
- Previous: 1,169, Dak Prescott (2012-15).
Now boasts 7,165 career passing yards, which is second in MSU history.
- No. 1: 9,376, Dak Prescott (2012-15).
Has thrown 52 career touchdown passes which is third in MSU history.
- No. 2: 55, Nick Fitzgerald (2015-18).
Has totaled 7,011 career yards of total offense, which ranks fourth in school history.
- No. 3: 7,097, Don Smith (1983-86).
Responsible for 53 career touchdowns, which is tied with Don Smith (1983-86) for third in school history.
- No. 2: 101, Nick Fitzgerald (2015-18).

WR Justin Robinson

WR Rara Thomas

Has caught six touchdowns in his last six games.
- Hauled in MSU's first score of the season on a 23-yard reception.
Caught three of MSU's five passes on the Bulldogs' opening drive for 42 yards, collecting 35 yards after the catch.
Tied his career-high in receptions with five for a career-high 81 total yards.
- Led the Bulldogs in receiving yards vs. Memphis.

WR Jaden Walley