Although they were out gained Northwestern controlled most of the first half. Mississippi State turned the ball over three times on Tyler Russell interceptions, while Kain Colter threw one for the Wildcats.
A 29 yard interception return by Quentin Williams 47 seconds into the game put NU up 7-0. They had chances to blow the game open but had to settle for field goals inside the 20 to extend their lead to 13-0.
After their own field goal, the Bulldogs got into the end zone on a 18 yard pass from Russell to Arceto Clark. Mississippi State has 136 yards on the ground in the opening 60 minutes. Josh Robinson ripped off a 58 yard run for 64 yards total. LaDarius Perkins has 61 yards on the ground. The Wildcats have held MSU’s star receiver Chad Bumphis to two catches for 13 yards.
Colter is 7-10 for 65 yards through the air and has 35 yards rushing. Venric Mark has 30 yards on nine carries and Dan Vitale has three catches for 34 yards. Colter has led an efficient offense. The Cats are 6-11 on third down. Now they need to finish their drives and get in the end zone. Jeff Budzien has field goals of 34 and 37 yards.
Northwestern will start the second half with the ball.
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