The Mississippi State University Athletic Department
LEXINGTON, KY - A record-setting day from senior receiver Chad Bumphis helped lead the Mississippi State Bulldogs to 27-14 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats.
Bumphis caught the 18th touchdown of his career, setting the school record and passing Eric Moulds and Justin Jenkins.
The win gave MSU (5-0, 2-0 SEC) its first 5-0 start since 1999, when the Bulldogs started 8-0 en route to a 10-2 record and a Peach Bowl victory.
Tyler Russell led his offense down the field and got the first score of the game on a 10-yard touchdown pass to fullback Adrian Marcus, his first career score.
MSU's defense forced a three-and-out on Kentucky's first two drives. The Bulldogs capitalized off the second stop, scoring on a 31-yard touchdown run by junior LaDarius Perkins.
Kentucky (1-4, 0-2) answered MSU's second score with one of their own, a 32-yard TD pass from freshman Patrick Towles to La'Rod King.
The Bulldogs retaliated with two Devon Bell field goals to close out the half with a 20-7 lead.
MSU wasted no time during its first drive of the second half, as Russell connected with senior Bumphis for a 27-yard score across the middle.
Kentucky tried to put together a comeback after a 3-yard touchdown run by freshman quarterback Jalen Whitlow, but failed to do any more damage in the final quarter.
MSU dominated offensively all day long, finishing with 427 total yards to Kentucky's 228.
Russell finished the game throwing 23-for-39 for 269 yards and two touchdowns, tying Rocky Felker for eighth all-time in career touchdown passes with 23.
Perkins eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second time this season, rushing for 110 yards and a score on 25 attempts. Bumphis led all receivers with 104 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.
