University of Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter as the Mississippi State University Bulldogs extended their record to 3-7 with a win over the Rebels on Thanksgiving. “There’s no question we’re the best three and seven team in the country right now,” MSU head coach Jackie Sherrill said after the win.
MSU quarterback Kevin Fant led the Bulldogs’ offensive attack by completing 14 of 21 passes for 263 yards.
The sophomore quarterback started in place of senior Wayne Madkin, who has a broken foot.
Sophomore wide receiver Justin Jenkins was Fant’s favorite target of the night. Jenkins caught seven passes for 116 yards.
“People have spoiled our season all year long,” Jenkins said after the game. “We wanted to go spoil theirs.”
Senior tail back Dicenzo Miller averaged 5.5 yards per carry, racking up 121 yards on the ground.
Dontae Walker gave the Bulldogs another running threat on Thanksgiving as he picked up 79 yards on 20 rushes.
In the fourth quarter, MSU’s defense stopped a Rebel offensive attack that had only allowed three interceptions to that point in the season.
Junior cornerback Korey Banks picked off two Manning passes while fellow cornerback Demetric Wright added a third interception.
“We hit (Manning more in the fourth quarter),” said Banks, who was named SEC defensive player of the week. “When you hit him, he lets it go differently.”
The Bulldogs next host BYU Saturday in MSU’s last game of the 2001 season.