STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State (3-5) outscored visiting Samford (6-2) 56-41 Saturday afternoon for a Homecoming win. The teams combined for 1,296 yards in the offensive barrage.
The Bulldogs’ offensive prowess was sparked by school record performances from quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and receiver Donald Gray. Fitzgerald connected on 20-of-35 passes for 417 yards and five touchdowns, the latter tying MSU’s best mark set by Dak Prescott last season. Fitzgerald also rushed for two scores, tying the other school record set by Prescott in that same game with seven TDs responsible for in one game.
Gray hauled in four receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns, the three scores, also tying a school best set by two others previously. Fred Ross led State with nine receptions for 107 yards a one touchdown.
Samford showed its ability to move the ball as well, particularly through the air. SU signal caller Delvin Hodges completed 42 of his 69 pass attempts for 468 yards and four scores. The majority of those passes went to Karel Hamilton (14 rec., 213 yds., 2 TD) and Kelvin McKnight (13 rec., 115 yds., 1 TD).
State remains at home next Saturday, Nov. 5, returning to SEC action by hosting No. 9 Texas A&M at 11 a.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPN, ESPN2 or the SEC Network.
