By David Brandt
Associated Press
Alcorn State’s first drive against Mississippi State resulted in two impressive first downs. Things went downhill quickly from that point.
Mississippi State built a huge halftime lead on the way to a 51-7 victory over the Braves on Saturday afternoon. Alcorn State was clearly overmatched, but also didn’t help itself with some turnovers that allowed the Bulldogs’ offense to get rolling.
“We made some mistakes early,” Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson said. “We turned the ball over on offense. We have got to start protecting the football on offense. We can’t give them anything cheap.”
Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, who was making his first start, threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a touchdown as the Bulldogs built a 37-0 lead by halftime.
“We got in a rhythm, we were comfortable and everybody did a good job,” Prescott said.
Alcorn State (1-1), which plays in the Football Championship Subdivision, managed just six first downs and had three turnovers. The Braves scored their only touchdown on a 25-yard pass from John Gibbs Jr. to Tollete George.
George finished with four catches for 80 yards. Gibbs was 11 of 25 passing for 135 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Mississippi State (1-1) didn’t use several regular starters, including quarterback Tyler Russell, who suffered a concussion in the Bulldogs’ season-opening loss to Oklahoma State.
It didn’t matter. The Bulldogs led 21-0 by early in the second quarter and 37-0 by halftime. It was the most points in the first half for the program since 1996.
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said Prescott did everything he was asked. Prescott played in 12 of 13 games last season as a backup.
Mullen said he hopes Russell can return for the Bulldogs’ first SEC game Saturday against Auburn, but Prescott looked comfortable leading the offense in his absence.
“He made some good reads, managed the offense well, made plays when we needed him to make them and I’m proud of that,” Mullen said.
Mississippi State outgained Alcorn State 308-30 in total yards in the first half. The Bulldogs finished with a 556-163 advantage.
