University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
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Mississippi St
Tigers Can't Hang On In Second Half
Oct 19, 2002 | Football
Oct 19, 2002
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Fred Reid scored on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter and the Mississippi State defense scored twice as the Bulldogs beat Memphis 29-17 Saturday night.
Mississippi State's 16 fourth quarter points erased a 17-13 Memphis lead. The Bulldogs (3-4) benefited from five interceptions by Memphis quarterback Danny Wimprine.
The victory was the Bulldogs' ninth straight over the Tigers (2-5).
Two of the interceptions led to Mississippi State's first and last touchdowns of the game. Jason Clark picked off a pass by Wimprine for a 20-yard score in the first quarter, while a 28-yard return by Michael Gholar with under two minutes remaining put the game out of reach.
Korey Banks had two interceptions for Mississippi State.
Memphis managed little offense in the second half, gaining only 23 yards on the ground and 98 in the air.
The Tigers led 17-13 after a first half of missed opportunities for both teams. Mississippi State failed to capitalize on turnovers and big plays, while the Tigers missed a 20-yard field goal.
Wimprine did connect on scoring passes of 12 yards to Travis Anglin and 59 yards to Tavares Gideon, who tapped the ball to himself, then shook a tackle before strolling to the end zone.
Stephen Gostkowski added a 48-yard field goal for the Tigers.
The Bulldog offense, which had only 66 yards passing in the half, never got in the end zone before the break. Mississippi State's only touchdown came on Clark's interception return, caused when Josh Morgan hit Wimprine as he released the ball.
Brent Smith had field goals of 28 and 42 yards in the half, the latter coming as time expired to cut the Tigers' lead to four. Smith hit his third field goal from 24 yards early in the fourth.
Reid, who ran for 59 yards, scored with just under 10 minutes left to give the Bulldogs the lead.
