I want to start out saying how proud I am to go to a university that makes it a priority to remember and honor those who deserve our thoughts.
Before the start of Mississippi State’s win over Arkansas Saturday, the late Nick Bell, who would have been a senior, was remembered as a commemorative video of Bell was shown on the jumbotron. Bell’s mother, Linda, was honored in his place in front of a standing crowd at Davis Wade Stadium.
Senior Cameron Lawrence said the video was “so special. The emotions and remembering Nick through everything we do is just awesome.”
Then came halftime when the Famous Maroon Band saluted the United States of America and honored our veterans and those currently serving in the military.
There’s no way goosebumps were missing on any person’s arms in Davis Wade during the salute. There’s just something special about taking the time to recognize those who have fought and are currently fighting for our freedom.
I was proud to call myself a Bulldog Saturday when our university took the time to remember and honor Nick Bell and our military.
I was also proud to call myself a Bulldog Saturday when MSU completely blew away Arkansas. Considering State’s past history against the Hogs, I’m sure I wasn’t the only person who came into Davis Wade slightly nervous (and stayed nervous for a little bit).
But the third quarter was 100 percent Maroon and White as Razorback turnover after turnover allowed State to take control of the game.
On Arkansas’ first drive of the second half, I looked up just in time to see MSU intercept Tyler Wilson. Assuming it was Johnthan Banks with the pick, I was about to start my tweet and then decided I should check for sure.
I saw Banks, Slay and Broomfield all around the ball but not holding it. Then I saw #24 with the ball, Jamerson Love. Add another name to the list of well-knowns in the MSU secondary.
Slay got in on the action with an interception of his own later in the half, and the secondary held Wilson to a season-low 225 passing yards, the fifth lowest of his career, compared to Wilson’s 365 yards through the air against the Dogs last season.
It was also nice to see LaDarius Perkins healthy and back on the field. After missing the LSU game, Perkins rushed for 97 yards and recorded 40 receiving yards against Arkansas. In particular, Tyler Russell found Perk in the end zone twice on the same play, the wheel route.
One of the more difficult passes to throw, Russell made two nearly perfect passes to the running back on the wheel route, and Perk finished them off with spectacular catches for two touchdowns.
Perkins could be the key to State’s success this weekend in Oxford when the Dogs and Black Bears battle for the Golden Egg.
In his first two Egg Bowls, Perkins had 20 carries for 162 yards, six receptions for 167 yards and four touchdowns. Remember, that was when Vick Ballard was leading the way in the MSU back field. Perkins has averaged 210.5 all-purpose yards per Egg Bowl.
As if Ole Miss needed any more incentive coming into this game, the Rebels need a win to become bowl eligible.
But MSU fully believes the Egg Bowl trophy will stay in Starkville for the fourth consecutive year.
“I cannot wait. I absolutely cannot wait. It is always the biggest game of the year for us, and we will be ready to go,” said head coach Dan Mullen.
Lawrence agreed with his coach.
“So fired up about it. I’m going to get my fourth win against them and continue to be undefeated against The School Up North the rest of my life,” Lawrence said.