Mississippi State rallies past South Carolina 41-34 to open SEC play

Mississippi State overcame an early deficit to defeat South Carolina 41-34 on Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina, improving to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in Southeastern Conference play.

South Carolina led 16-0 midway through the second quarter after Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor threw an interception on his first pass and the Bulldogs’ first three drives ended with the interception and two punts. Mississippi State then outscored the Gamecocks 41-7 from midway through the second quarter to midway through the fourth.

“Proud of our guys,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby said. “There were a ton of opportunities for [Saturday's game] not to go right, and we made it go right.”

Taylor has accounted for 1,010 yards of offense and 12 touchdowns this season. Running back Fluff Bothwell is averaging nearly six yards per carry and close to 100 yards per game. Four Mississippi State receivers have at least 130 yards, and three have three touchdowns.

The victory set up a matchup with Top-25-ranked Missouri the following Saturday in Starkville.

Source: Mississippi State Athletics.