WILL DICKEY/ THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION (AP)
Showdown time
Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen, left, enters today’s Gator Bowl with one thing his rival, third-year Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, would love to have – job security. Even a win might not save Rodriguez.
■ On TV: 12:30 p.m, ESPN2
No. 21 Bulldogs, Wolverines collide today in Jacksonville GATOR BOWL EDITION: JANUARY 1, 2011
Document: E001DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:49:07;JPC 72 DPI
Your 2011 Gator Bowl guide
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
THE FIRST WORD: MSU’s turnaround
Bulldogs go on the offensive, and success follows
M
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ississippi State’s offense reached some new heights this season. The Bulldogs gained 4,732 total yards, breaking the school record of 4,642 set in 1982. They made 242 first downs, eclipsing the school mark of 233, also set in ’82. Of course, MSU plays a 12-game schedule – they played 11 back then – but those numbers tell us that a program with little offensive tradition is making strides under second-year head coach Dan Mullen. He arrived at MSU as a highly regarded offensive mind, having helped Urban Meyer develop a prolific version of the spread option offense the past decade. After Florida’s struggles this past season, there’s been much talk that Mullen might deserve more credit than Meyer for that offense’s effectiveness. In Mullen’s four years as Florida’s offensive coordinator, the Gators averaged 36.3 points and 418.9 yards per game, with a steady upward trend in both categories each season. In the two years under Steve Addazio
– who just recently became the head coach at Temple – it’s been a downward trend. Florida averaged 35.9 points and 457.9 yards in 2009 – Tim Tebow’s final season – but this year those numbers dipped to 29.3 and 356.8. That’s not Florida quality. MSU’s averages under Mullen have gone up – way up. Under Sylvester Croom, MSU was one of the worst offenses in the country. In Mullen’s first season, State averaged 25.6 points and 371.9 yards. This season, those averages are 27.1 and 394.3. Those numbers are similar to Florida’s this year; significantly better in total yardage, in fact. And Mullen has done it with far less talent and experience than the Gators. He’s done it with quarterback Chris Relf, a guy who his first couple of years didn’t have much of a clue what he was doing on the practice field. He’s done it with a receiving corps that started out Kate Moss thin and has
become Calista Flockhart scrawny thanks to injuries to Leon Berry and Chad Bumphis. He’s done it without Anthony Dixon, the school’s all-time leading rusher, who hasn’t been missed nearly as much as most of us thought he would be thanks to junior college transfer Vick Ballard and redshirt freshman LaDarius Perkins, not to mention the running of Relf.
Brad LOCKE
Room for improvement
Yet there is still clearly room for this offense to improve. It’s racked up big numbers against non-SEC teams (43.5 ppg, 512.8 ypg) but not so much against league foes (18.9 ppg, 335.1 ypg, both 11th in the SEC). So just think of how it could be when Mullen has the necessary talent and depth at his disposal. If you believe in recruiting rankings, he’s getting that talent, and we’ve seen what he can do with talent. Mullen’s already got a strong defense in place, and if he can keep coordinator
DESTE LEE
Dan Mullen, left, and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, right, have quickly gotten MSU back on the winning path.
Manny Diaz around a while, MSU has a real chance of having a balanced, downright scary team. More offensive records could fall, and the wins would follow.
Brad Locke (brad.locke@djournal.com) covers Mississippi State for the Daily Journal and blogs daily at NEMS360.com.
THE TWO-MINUTE DRILL
Who has the edge? The experts disagree
Official Gator Bowl & Egg Bowl T-shirts! Short & Long Sleeve T-shirts Sweatshirt Hoodies (Gator Bowl only)
Adult and Youth Sizes Historic Downtown Tupelo • 842-6453 Mall at Barnes Crossing • 842-5287 www.reedsms.com
on the neutral field. Seven of 10 experts at College Football News favor Mississippi ■ Predictions for the outcome of State – but one of those is based on today’s game are all over the map. a coin flip. And four of five pickers at The Associated Press college CBSsports.com favor the Bulldogs. writer Ralph Russo, projects a 35-31 On the Daily Journal’s Pigskin Michigan victory. Picks panel, only one picker – BranScouts Inc., in don Speck – favors Michigan. its preview for ESPN.com, expects a 33-26 Fast facts Mississippi State ■ Michigan is 23-5-1 all-time against SEC schools, including a 7-3 victory. record in bowl games. The WolverAlso at that ines have played all 11 other memwebsite, the AccuScore projec- bers of the league at least once. ■ Both Michigan and Mississippi tion is for a 32State went 5-7 last season. 27 Mississippi State victory. ■ Michigan leads all major-college The Daily Journal’s Brad Locke thinks MSU will win 33-28, the five- programs in total victories (884point margin that also seems to be 307-36). Mississippi State’s all-time record is 498-538-39. the conventional wisdom among those who make a living establishing ■ Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez is 1-10 in games against the betting lines. Jeff Sagarin, the college numbers Top 25 teams with the Wolverines, guru for USA Today, projects Missis- one reason his job is in jeopardy. John L. Pitts sippi State as a five-point favorite
GameDay: Gator Bowl edition
Page 3
■ Game preview
Pages 4-5
■ Michigan and MSU featured players
Page 6
■ 2010 game by game results
Page 7
■ MSU roster analysis
Pages 8-9
■ Depth charts
Page 10
■ Keys to the game
Page 11
■ Michigan bowl history
Page 13
■ MSU bowl history
Pages 14-15
■ Gator Bowl history
Sports editor: John L. Pitts. Inside page design: Daily Journal staff. Journal sports staff: Parrish Alford, Brett Brown, Brad Locke, Gene Phelps, Robbie Robertson, John Wilbert.
Document: E002DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:48:07;JPC 72 DPI
PAGE 2 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 3
GAMEDAY PREVIEW: Michigan vs. No. 21 Mississippi State
Containing speedy Robinson is key task BY BRAD LOCKE Daily Journal
CARLOS OSORIO/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denard Robinson rushed for 1,643 yards for Michigan this season, an NCAA record for a quarterback.
Mississippi State (8-4)
www.mstateathletics.com S4 Memphis W, 49-7 S9 Auburn L, 17-14 S18 at LSU L, 29-7 S25 Georgia W, 24-12 O2 Alcorn State W, 49-16 O9 at Houston W, 47-24 O16 at Florida W, 10-7 O23 UAB (HC) W, 29-24 O30 Kentucky W, 31-24 N13 at Alabama L, 30-10 N20 Arkansas (2OT) L, 38-31 N27 at Ole Miss W, 31-23 J1 Michigan 12:30 p.m.
Michigan (7-5)
www.mgoblue.com S4 Connecticut S11 at Notre Dame S18 Massachusetts S25 Bowling Green O2 at Indiana O9 Michigan State O16 Iowa (HC) O30 at Penn State N6 Illinois N13 at Purdue N20 Wisconsin N27 at Ohio State J1 Mississippi State
W, 30-10 W, 28-24 W, 42-37 W, 65-21 W, 42-35 L, 34-17 L, 38-28 L, 41-31 W, 67-65 W, 27-16 L, 48-28 L, 37-7 12:30 p.m.
Depth charts, more
■ See Pages 8-9 for a list of starters and Page 10 for keys to success.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There really is no way to prepare for Denard Robinson’s speed, and Manny Diaz knows it. Michigan’s sophomore quarterback has given more than one defense whiplash, and that’s what Diaz, Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator, is trying to avoid when the No. 21 Bulldogs (8-4) meet the Wolverines (7-5) in today’s Gator Bowl. MSU, after all, hasn’t played since Nov. 27. Neither has Michigan, but Robinson is well-rested and as healthy as he’s been all season. So the Bulldogs can’t afford to be caught on their heels. “With Denard, you only have to be surprised by his speed once or twice, and it's 14-0,” Diaz said. “I’ll watch like y’all, and I won’t know until we go out there to see if we’re really up to game speed we have to be on the first play. “I mean, he carried 245 times
this year. It’s no sey number (16). secret who’s going “He gives you a to run the ball, good look,” MSU and we’ve got to head coach Dan be ready to go.” Mullen said. “He’s The 6-foot, 193pretty athletic. He pound Robinson was a high school Wolverines Bulldogs quarterback, so has rushed for (Game averages for 2010) 1,643 yards – an he’s comfortable NCAA single-seadoing that.” 34.3 Points scored 27.1 son record for a MSU has been 33.8 Points given up 20.3 quarterback – and strong against the 14 touchdowns. 500.9 Offense yards 394.3 run this year, alHe’s gone over 447.9 Defense yards 358.1 lowing 121.7 100 yards nine yards per game. times, including a It’s faced plenty of 258-yard outburst against Notre mobile quarterbacks and held Dame and a 217-yard effort versus Auburn’s Cam Newton, the HeisIndiana. man Trophy winner, to 70 yards He’s good at following blocks, rushing, including 11 in the second knows where to find the seams, half. and can motor past defenders. He’s a different kind of QB from Doing his best to emulate Robin- Robinson, but that success still son on the scout team has been gives MSU confidence. freshman Jameon Lewis. At 5-8, “Oh, hands down, because he’s 170, he’s smaller than Robinson, the best player I’ve ever seen play but he has similar speed and shiftiness and even wears the same jerTurn to ROBINSON on Page 4
Today’s game at a glance
■ Where: EverBank Field (77,000), Jacksonville, Fla. ■ Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ■ Television: ESPN2 ■ Radio: MSU Network, XM 122, Sirius 143 ■ Records: Mississippi State 8-4, Michigan 7-5. ■ Last game: Mississippi State beat Ole Miss, 31-23; Michigan lost to Ohio State, 37-7. ■ Rankings: MSU No. 21 AP, No. 22 USA Today, No. 21 BCS. ■ Series: First meeting. ■ Coaches – MSU: Dan Mullen, 13-11 (second year); Michigan: Rich Rodriguez, 15-21 (third year at Michigan), 115-76-2 overall (16th year). ■ Bowl history: Mississippi State 7-6, Michigan 19-20. ■ Statistical leaders – Mississippi State: QB Chris Relf 111-197-5, 1,508 yards, 10 TDs passing, 179-683, 4 TDs rushing; RB Vick Ballard 166-892, 16 TDs; LB Chris White 105 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 6.0 sacks; LB K.J. Wright 93 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks; Michigan: QB Denard Robinson 155-250-10, 2,316 yards, 16 TDs passing, 245-1,643, 14 TDs rushing; WR Roy Roundtree 63-882, 6 TDs; WR Darryl Stonum 42-574, 4 TDs; SS Jordan Kovacs 112 tackles, 2 INTs. ■ Trends: Michigan’s offense is balanced, averaging 251.1 yards rushing and 249.8 passing. … Michigan’s Robinson has rushed for more than 200 yards twice this season; MSU’s defense hasn’t given up 200 rushing yards to a team all year. … State has recovered at least one fumble in 10 games of its games this fall. ■ Notes: Michigan set a school record this season with 6,011 yards of total offense. … MSU is 7-6 all-time in bowl games, while Michigan is 19-20. … MSU is the visiting team for today’s game and will wear white jerseys. … With 108 yards today, Ballard can give MSU different backto-back 1,000-yard rushers for the first time in school history. Anthony Dixon had 1,391 last year. ■ Summing it up: “They’re a big-play offense, so we have got to contain the big plays and make people drive the length of the field and see if they can do that.” – MSU head coach Dan Mullen. ■ Prediction: Mississippi State, 33-28. Brad Locke
STEPHEN MORTON/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EverBank Field is the home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and the site of the annual Florida-Georgia football game. It opened in 1995 as Jacksonville Municipal Stadium and was known as Alltel Stadium from 1997 through 2006. The stadium hosted Super Bowl XXXIX – New England defeated Philadelphia 24-21 – in early 2005.
Mississippi State football radio network ■ Aberdeen, WWZQ-AM (1240), Amory WAMY-AM (1580), Batesville, WBLE-FM (100.5), Biloxi/Gulfport, WBUV-FM (104.9)/ WQYZ-FM (92.5), Bude, WMJU-FM (104.3), Columbia, WCJU-FM (104.9),Corinth, WKCUAM (1350), Ferriday, La., KWTG-FM (104.7), French Camp, WFCA-FM (107.9), Greenville, WDMS-FM (100.7), Greenwood/Indianola, WTCD-FM (96.9), Grenada, WOHT-FM (92.3), Hattiesburg, WMXI-FM (98.1), Jackson,
WZNO-FM (105.9), McComb, WAKK-FM (104.9), Memphis, KQPN-AM (730), Meridian, WMOX-AM (1010), Monticello, WRQO-FM (102.1), Philadelphia, WWSL-FM (102.3), Tupelo, WXWX-FM (96.3), Tylertown, WTYL-FM (97.7), Vicksburg, WVBG-FM (105.5), Waynesboro, WABO-AM (990), West Point, WKBBFM (100.9), Winona, WONA-FM (95.1), Yazoo City, WBYP-FM (107.1)/WELZ-AM (1460). www.mstateathletics.com
Document: E003DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:39:45;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
GAMEDAY SPOTLIGHT: Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson
‘Shoelace’ stays elusive, both on and off field BY LARRY LAGE
Denard Robinson 2010
The Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson would be much happier if no one knew who he was, allowing him to live under the radar. “I’m not on Twitter or Facebook because I just don’t like the attention,” Robinson said in an interview this week before traveling to Florida to be with his family. “My teammates are always on me to get on Twitter or Facebook, but that’s just not how I get down.” The player known as “Shoelace” – because he doesn’t lace up his cleats or shoes – attracts eyes and ears anyway. This year, Robinson set an NCAA record for yards rushing by a quarterback with 1,643, and he became the first to both run and throw for 1,500 yards. He’ll break the school’s single-season record if he can run for 175 yards – for the fifth time this season – against Mississippi State in today’s Gator Bowl. The Bulldogs have other plans. Mississippi State held Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton to just 70 yards rushing on 18 carries and limited him to just 136 yards passing in a 19-11 loss to Auburn. Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen said Robinson is quicker, faster and a little more elusive than Newton, adding he timed Robinson run the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds at a camp for recruits. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said there’s nothing Mississippi State can do to prepare for Robinson’s speed and way Rich Rodriguez uses it. “They run him a lot more than Auburn runs Cam Newton,” Diaz said. “So, there’s no question who the head of the snake is.” Robinson started every game this sea-
Robinson Continued from Page 3 college football,” defensive end Pernell McPhee said of Newton. “If we can stop him, I think we can stop anybody.”
Roles vs. Robinson
The first line of defense will be State’s front four, led by McPhee. He’s fast for a big guy and will play a big role in trying to contain Robinson. Diaz said there are two keys for McPhee to focus on. ■ First: “The way they run with Denard, the first key with McPhee is he’s got to be one brick in the wall. On every
Opponent Passing Rushing UConn 19-22 186 1 29-197-1 Notre Dame 24-40 240 1 28-258-2 UMass 10-14 241 2 17-104-1 Bowling Green 4-4 60 0 5-129-2 Indiana 10-16 277 3 19-217-2 Mich. State 17-29 215 1 21-86-1 Iowa 13-18 96 1 18-105-0 Penn State 11-23 190 1 27-191-3 Ilinois 10-20 305 3 19-62-0 Purdue 13-21 176 1 22-68-0 Wisconsin 16-25 239 2 22-121-2 Ohio State 8-18 87 0 18-105-0 Passing: 155-250 (62.0) 2,316 16 Rushing: 245-1,643-14 (6.70 yds per carry)
CARLOS OSORIO/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michigan QB Denard Robinson ranked third in the nation in total offense this season. son for Michigan (7-5) and averaged 20plus carries. He also got knocked out of games with concussion-like symptoms, a bruised left knee and banged-up right shoulder. Perhaps more than any Wolverine, Robinson benefited from having five weeks to heal between playing Ohio State and the Bulldogs. “It helped Denard’s legs a lot and probably mentally helped him as well,” Rodriguez said after Robinson starred in an on-campus scrimmage. “He had the
ball a lot, so he needed the break.” Robinson said he feels fresh. “I’m moving around better than I was in the O-State game,” he said. “It feels like everything is coming back for me like it was early in the season.” Robinson produced videogame-type numbers when the Wolverines won their first five games, averaging 202 yards passing with seven touchdowns and one interception along with 181 yards rushing per victory with eight scores.
play, with what they do in their run game, when they run him, you’ve got to build a wall. And then they can insert their blocking scheme a different way, and you’ve got to build your wall, whichever way they try to block it.” ■ Second: “The second key is if we can get them into a passing situation, he’s a hard guy to sack. It just goes back to, when you get back there, you’ve got a hard duty getting the guy to the ground, and your best athletes are the guys that have got to help you. And that’s where a guy like McPhee has got some athleticism and hopefully can help us get the guy to the ground.” State also needs the speed of its linebackers, namely middle linebacker Chris White, who has 105 tackles this season.
“If he gets it in the open field, it’s going to be a touchdown,” White said. “So we’ve just got to contain him the best we can and just get people to the ball.” And if Robinson gets past the linebackers, you can forget about it. No safety is going to stop him. “We can’t let there be a lot of one-onone tackles with Denard Robinson; that’s playing Russian roulette,” said Diaz.
Beware the pass, too
But wait, there’s more: Robinson’s a pretty fair passer, too. He’s completed 62 percent of his throws for 2,316 yards and 16 TDs. His 152.94 quarterback rating ranks 20th in
In Michigan’s five losses, he threw as many TDs (five) as interceptions and averaged 60 fewer yards rushing than he did during his sensational start and ran for six scores. “I knew there would be some bumps in the road,” Robinson said. “I’m going to learn from that.” Robinson’s body of work, though, was hard to ignore. He ranked third in the nation in total offense (329.9 yards per game), fourth in rushing (136.9) and 20th in passing efficiency (152.9 rating) in his first year as a starter after backing up Tate Forcier when both were freshman last season. Robinson finished sixth in voting for the Heisman, and he was named the Big Ten offensive player of the year and its MVP. The Deerfield Beach, Fla., native said he expects a lot of people from his hometown to make the five-hour drive up the coast to watch him play in the Gator Bowl. “I’m excited because my whole city is trying to get there,” Robinson said.
the country. “He can throw on the run, he can scramble when he wants to,” McPhee said. “We’ve just got to play good defense and be disciplined and try to contain him.” The good part for MSU is that Robinson is far and away the most dangerous weapon Michigan’s offense has. His receivers have dropped a lot of passes, and there aren’t any great options at tailback. So, it could be as simple as this for the Bulldogs: Contain Robinson, win the game. As Diaz knows, that’s much easier said than done.
Contact Brad Locke at 678-1571 or brad.locke@ djournal.com.
Document: E004DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:27:54;JPC 72 DPI
PAGE 4 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 5
GAMEDAY SPOTLIGHT: Mississippi State’s Aaron Feld
MSU MEDIA RELATIONS
Aaron Feld has spent four seasons as Mississippi State’s long snapper – a job that isn’t complete once he’s made the snap. After that’s he’s expected to get downfield and be ready to make a play.
Life’s a real snap for this Bulldog BY BRAD LOCKE
At MSU, he lasted three days at fullback, with linebackers and special teams coach Amos Jones telling him, STARKVILLE – Aaron Feld didn’t set “You’re coming to play for me.” out to be a college long snapper, but So Feld spent his first year as a scout then, who does? team linebacker and traveled with the But thanks to an observant junior Bulldogs as the backup long snapper. high football coach and Feld’s tireless “He was really disillusioned early on, dedication, that’s the role that ultimately because he wanted to be more than just made him a mainstay at Mississippi the long snapper,” said his father, Jerry State, where he’s been the starting long Feld. “He felt like he could contribute in snapper for four seasons. other ways.” Today, when No. 21 MSU (8-4) plays But Feld isn’t one to complain or lose Michigan (7-5) in the Gator Bowl, will mark his 49th game in the only role he’s focus, so he bore down on a craft he first discovered a skill for in seventh grade. known for the Bulldogs. One day he was just “messing around” Feld (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) came before practice when he saw a teamfrom Homewood (Ala.) High School to Starkville as a long snapper but with the mate running across the field. “Hey, y’all watch this,” Feld said. expectation of finding another role, too, He bent over a football, snapped it 20 like fullback or linebacker. After all, he’d or 25 yards and “clocked” the teammate started as a freshman – a rarity at in the head. Homewood’s junior high Homewood, a 6A school – and set school records for sacks in a season and coach asked Feld to do it again and then a career as a defensive end. made him the long snapper for the Daily Journal
eighth-grade squad. “It’s not one of those things you can really teach,” said Feld, but it’s something he’s worked hard at perfecting. It can be a monotonous endeavor, but it’s one he tackles with enthusiasm and purpose. “He takes his job very, very seriously,” MSU head coach Dan Mullen said. “Very much a perfectionist at being a long snapper. Which is what you want out of those guys. He has a specific role on the team, and it is 100 percent of his focus.”
The art of snapping
So just what is it Feld does, and how hard is it? It’s a simple job, but it’s not. He’s the man who snaps to the punter (Heath Hutchins) and place-kick holder (Chris Cameron). He’s been snapping for so long that he doesn’t get nervous, and he makes very few mistakes.
But there are nuances to what he does. There’s a difference, for example, in how he snaps the ball on punts and place kicks. “Punt team is just pretty much all out, as hard as you can snap it,” Feld said. “It is important to have it in a precise spot, but at the same time it’s more important to get it back there fast, whereas on the extra point/field goal, you’ve got to have it the perfect spot, the laces have got to be right.” Feld said he can even control the number of rotations he puts on the ball. Sort of. “It’s more like, you get a couple of snaps in to see where the laces are, and you snap a little harder or a little softer depending on where they are. It’s not as accurate and as specific as it sounds. With a lot of practice, you can work on how fast you’re spinning it.”
Turn to SNAP on Page 12
Document: E005DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:27:12;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
GAMEDAY REVIEW: Game-by-game in 2010 MISSISSIPPI STATE (8-4) ■ MSU 49, Memphis 7: Backup QB Tyler Russell threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns. The Bulldogs came within a couple of minutes of a shutout against the Tigers. ■ Auburn 17, MSU 14: Limiting the Tigers’ Cameron Newton – the eventual Heisman Trophy winner – to 206 yards total offense would look better and better as the year went along. A late Bulldogs drive stalled at the Auburn 40. ■ LSU 29, MSU 7: The Tigers beat the Bulldogs for the 11th season in a row as the picked off five passes to offset an inconsistent offensive effort. LSU led 12-0 at halftime. ■ MSU 24, Georgia 12: Chris Relf rushed for 97 yards and passed for 135 as State beat Georgia for the first time in nine tries, a losing streak dating back to 1974. Georgia scored its only TD in the last two minutes. ■ MSU 49, Alcorn State 16: In the first meeting of the state rivals, MSU’s Vick Ballard rushed for 119 yards and three TDs (17, 1, 75). Leon Berry returned a second-quarter kickoff 97 yards for a score. ■ MSU 47, Houston 24: The Bulldogs snapped Houston’s 18-game home winning streak as Vick Ballard ran for 134 yards and three TDs. State led 33-10 at halftime. ■ MSU 10, Florida 7: The signature win of the Dan Mullen era to that point, the Bulldogs took
MICHIGAN (7-5)
an early 10-0 lead and hung on to win in Gainesville. Florida’s Chas Henry yanked a 42-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the game at the end of regulation. ■ MSU 29, UAB 24: The Bulldogs won their fifth game in a row and became bowl eligible as they avoided the upset-minded Blazers and delighted the Homecoming crowd. LaDarius Perkins, filling in for an injured Vick Ballard, rushed for 131 yards and a TD. ■ MSU 24, Kentucky 17: The winning streak, the Bulldogs’ best since 1999, reached six games. Vick Ballard returned and rushed for 103 yards and a TD. Kentucky ran 85 offensive plays but made four turnovers. ■ Alabama 30, MSU 10: The winning streak ended on the road as the Crimson Tide won its 19th straight home game. Alabama’s three touchdowns each covered 45 or more yards. ■ Arkansas 38, MSU 31 (2OT): State, in its home finale, rallied from a 31-21 deficit to send the game to overtime. But Arkansas RB Knile Davis (191 yards rushing) caught the gamewinner in the second OT. MSU ran 100 offensive plays for 486 total yards. ■ MSU 31, Ole Miss 23: Bulldogs won in Oxford for the first time since 1998 and kept the Golden Egg trophy for a second year in a row. Chris Relf threw for a career-high 288 yards and three TDs.
BigScreenTV s ’
LG SHARP MITSUBISHI SONY TOSHIBA
299
STARTING AT
$ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Wireless Sets Plasma, LCD, and LED Sets Sets only 11⁄2 Inches Thin Sets from 19" to 82" Sets with 60 HZ to 600 HZ Screens
ee ComeNSew Our
3- D T V
FREE SET-UP & DELIVERY! Financing Available!
GRASS TV
917 SOUTH GLOSTER STREET / TUPELO In-House Service Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 662-844-5297 Department Saturday 10am-2pm
Outstanding
In Our Field
■ Michigan 30, Connecticut 10: Denard Robinson, in his first start, ripped up the eventual champions of the Big East for 197 yards rushing, 186 passing. A record crowd of 113,090 packed the renovated Michigan Stadium. ■ Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24: Robinson topped himself by rushing for 258 yards, including 152 in the second quarter, and passing for 244 more against the Fighting Irish. He won it with a 2-yard TD run with 27 seconds left. ■ Michigan 42, UMass 37: The visiting Minutemen scored 20 fourth-quarter points but the Wolverines hung on. Robinson: 241 yards passing, 104 rushing. ■ Michigan 65, Bowling Green 21: Robinson and backup Tate Forcier were both injured during the game, but the Wolverines still rolled up 721 total yards, including 466 rushing. ■ Michigan 42, Indiana 35: Robinson passed for 277 yards and rushed for 217 more, scoring the game-winner with 17 seconds left. Indiana blistered the Wolverines for 488 passing yards. ■ Michigan State 34, Michigan 17: The Wolverines, who were ranked 18th after a 5-0 start, went from a 10-7 lead late in the first half to a 31-10 deficit after three quarters. Robinson threw three interceptions. ■ Iowa 38, Michigan 28: The No. 15 Hawkeyes battled to a 28-7 lead after three quarters. Robin-
son was on the sidelined with a sore shoulder as Forcier tried to rally his team in the fourth quarter. ■ Penn State 41, Michigan 31: Former walkon Matthew McGloin passed for 250 yards and a TD to lead the Nittany Lions. Robinson rushed for 191 yards and three TDs in a losing cause. ■ Michigan 67, Illinois 65 (3OT): One of the wildest games of the year ended when the Wolverines stopped a two-point conversion run. Robinson passed for 305 yards and three TDs. Michigan had a 676-561 edge in total offense but suffered five turnovers. ■ Michigan 27, Purdue 16: Robinson returned but had four turnovers – two fumbles and two interceptions. The Wolverines forced five turnovers and had enough offense to hold off the Boilermakers. ■ Wisconsin 48, Michigan 28: The sixth-ranked Badgers were led by Montee Ball and James White, who combined for 354 yards rushing and six TDs. Robinson became the first NCAA player to rush and pass for 1,500 yards in a single season. ■ Ohio State 37, Michigan 7: The Wolverines bottomed out in their biggest rivalry game. Robinson, hampered by a sore left hand, was limited to 192 yards total offense as the Buckeyes beat Michigan for the seventh year in a row. From school, wire reports
Document: E006DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:34:14;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
PAGE 6 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 7
MISSISSIPPI STATE: Position by position Running back
combination of speed and size (6-4, 245) have made him one of the best at his position in the SEC. White leads the team in tackles (105), sacks (6.0) and tackles-for-loss (15.5). His play has overshadowed the value of senior K.J. Wright, WHITE who plays the weakside spot. Like White, the 6-4, 250-pound Wright can cover a lot of ground from sideline to sideline, but he’s better in pass coverage with his long arms and ability to read quarterbacks. Wright has a teamhigh nine pass break-ups. Emmanuel Gatling, another senior, has held down the strongside spot played by Wright last season. He’s not as athletic as the other two, but he’s been a big part of MSU’s run defense, which ranks third in the league (121.7 ypg).
■ A by-committee backfield soon became a committee led by Vick Ballard, whose ability to break big plays as well as pick up the tough yards near the goal line separated him from the pack. The junior college transfer leads the team with 892 yards and 16 touchdowns, the latter number tying a single-season school record. But he’s got good help. Redshirt freshman LaDarius Perkins has rushed for 526 yards and had a breakout game against Ole Miss, when he totaled 98 yards rushing, 140 receiving and two touchdowns. Those two, plus quarterback Chris Relf, have helped MSU average 215.8 rushing yards per game, second in the SEC. Junior Robert Elliott (185 yards, 3.4 yards per carry) still hasn’t lived up to the promise he showed at Okolona High School.
Offensive line
Secondary
■ This is a unit chock full of experience. The five starters have a combined 148 career starts, with center J.C. Brignone, right guard Quentin Saulsberry and left tackle Derek Sherrod all third-year starters. Sherrod (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) has been named to seven different All-American teams and is projected by Mel Kiper Jr. to be a first-round draft pick. His long arms and nimble feet are a big reason he’s posted a 90 percent-plus blocking grade eight times this year, and why the Bulldogs have given up only 22 sacks. Brignone is the anchor and vocal leader, although he did miss one full game and parts of two others with a knee injury. Saulsberry, who’s played four different positions on the line for MSU during his career, was a capable fill-in. Gabe Jackson and Addison Lawrence, while not spectacular, have been solid.
Wide receiver
■ This position has gotten thinner as the season has gone on. First, tight end Marcus Green – MSU’s second-leading receiver in 2009 – was lost for the season after Oct. 7 knee surgery, having played in just two games. Then Leon Berry, the lone senior in the receiving corps, was knocked out Oct. 9 with a dislocated ankle. Then Chad Bumphis, the Bulldogs’ top receiver the last two years, broke his collarbone in the regular-season finale. So MSU is left with six receivers and two tight ends, a group that’s combined for 982 yards. Tops among the healthy ones are sophomores Arceto Clark (22 catches, 317 yards, two touchdowns) and Brandon Heavens (20, 304, two TDs). Having to step into more significant roles will be freshman Michael Carr and redshirt freshman Sam Williams. And redshirt freshman Ricco Sanders, who’s played in all 12 games, is still seeking his first reception.
Quarterback
■ When Tyler Russell passed for four touchdowns in a season-opening win over Memphis, it seemed certain the redshirt freshman would share snaps
RB Vick Ballard emerged during the season as a home-run threat, scoring 16 touchdowns. with Chris Relf, a junior. But as the year went on, the 240-pound Relf become firmly entrenched as the No. 1 thanks to his hard running and improved passing skills. Relf is second on the team in rushing (683 yards, four TDs) but is also an effective, (usually) smart passer. He’s completed 56.3 percent of his throws for 1,508 yards and 10 touchdowns, and most importantly, he’s thrown just five interceptions in 197 attempts. He finished the season strong, recording his two highest passing yardage totals of his career against Arkansas (224) and Ole Miss (288). In those two games, he completed 66 percent of his passes. Russell has still gotten snaps periodically, but there’s no question this is Relf’s offense.
Defensive line
■ It’s been a season of both loss and growth for the front four. The Bulldogs lost sophomore end Johnathan McKenzie early on when he decided to quit the team and focus on academics, and then cancer claimed the life of sophomore Nick Bell,
DESTE LEE
who had played in four games and started three at right end. Sean Ferguson, a junior, eventually settled in there, starting six of the last eight games and making 23 tackles and 5.0 tackles-for-loss. At left end, senior Pernell McPhee has made steady progress. His numbers – 2.0 sacks, 9.5 TFLs – don’t tell the full story of how he’s improved in the technical aspect of the game. What’s more telling is his team-high 12 quarterback hurries. State’s also gotten good play from interior linemen Josh Boyd and Fletcher Cox, a pair of sophomores who have quickly become rocks in the middle and have combined for 5.0 sacks and 14.0 TFLs. Doing well in backup roles have been junior James Carmon, sophomore Devin Jones and sophomore Trevor Stigers.
Linebackers
■ This has been the heart of the defense, with the pulse set by senior middle linebacker Chris White, this year’s Conerly Trophy winner. His move from weakside linebacker now looks very smart, as his
■ The back end has been stronger than the front end this year. MSU has some talented cornerbacks, namely sophomores Johnthan Banks and Corey Broomfield, but they’ve often given big cushions to receivers who don’t deserve that sort of respect. The corners are a big reason MSU ranks ninth against the pass (236.4 ypg), but except for the Alabama and Arkansas games, the Bulldogs did a good job of preventing the explosive plays. Safeties Charles Mitchell, Nickoe Whitley and Wade Bonner locked things down pretty well, with Whitley making three interceptions, tying Broomfield for the team lead. Whitley is just a redshirt freshman who has shown big-play ability. Against Arkansas, he made a leaping, one-handed interception of Ryan Mallett while falling out of bounds. Mitchell is a hard-hitting junior with tons of experience, and Bonner is a junior who drew starts the final two games of the season.
Specialists
■ Some of same injuries that affected the receiving corps have affected the return game, too. Berry was the main kickoff return man, while Bumphis was the lead guy on punts. MSU has experimented with different players, both in games and in practices, and it’s still not settled on who will do what. Most likely, Perkins and Carr will be deep on kickoffs, while Maurice Langston or Heavens will handle punts. On the kicking side, punter Heath Hutchins has been solid. His 41.3-yard average doesn’t stand out, but thanks to his accuracy and a good coverage unit, MSU is averaging 38.2 net yards per punt, ranking fourth in the conference. Junior Derek DePasquale has wrested field goal and point-after duties from senior Sean Brauchle. DePasquale has converted 9 of 11 field goals, including a game-tying 25-yarder as time expired in regulation against Arkansas. Brauchle has been handling kickoffs. Brad Locke
Document: E007DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:40:25;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
T58th
NCAA scoring offense (27.1 ppg)
47th
NCAA total offense (394.3 ypg)
27th
NCAA scoring defense (20.3 ppg)
52nd
NCAA total defense (358.1 ypg)
BULLDOGS DEPTH CHART Offense QB 36 Chris Relf
17 RB 28 27 LT 79 75 LG 61 67 C 70 55 RG 55 68 RT 62 76 TE 88 or 85 WR 8 31 WR 19 11 WR 3 11
(6-4, 240, Jr.) Tyler Russell (6-5, 225, RFr.) Vick Ballard (5-11, 215, Jr.) LaDarius Perkins (5-10, 190, RFr.) Derek Sherrod (6-6, 305, Sr.) Blaine Clausell (6-7, 305, Fr.) Gabe Jackson (6-4, 306, RFr.) Tobias Smith (6-3, 305, So.) J.C. Brignone (6-1, 300, Sr.) Quentin Saulsberry (6-2, 305, Jr.) Quentin Saulsberry (6-2, 305, Jr.) Templeton Hardy (6-3, 300, So.) Addison Lawrence (6-4, 300, Jr.) Phillip Freeman (6-6, 305, Sr.) Kendrick Cook (6-3, 250, Jr.) Brandon Henderson (6-2, 245, Sr.) Chris Smith (6-2, 210, So.) Sam Williams (6-1, 200, RFr.) Arceto Clark (5-10, 180, So.) Ricco Sanders (5-11, 195, RFr.) Brandon Heavens (5-10, 175, So.) Ricco Sanders (5-11, 195, RFr.)
Defense LE 36 Pernell McPhee
54 DT 97 95 DT 94 60 RE 99 56 SLB 48 10 MLB 50 58 WLB 34 45 LCB 13 15 RCB 25 26 SS 4 7 FS 5 42
(6-4, 285, Sr.) Trevor Stigers (6-5, 260, So.) Josh Boyd (6-3, 295, So.) James Carmon (6-7, 345, Jr.) Fletcher Cox (6-4, 300, So.) Devin Jones (6-0, 270, So.) Sean Ferguson (6-3, 255, Jr.) Corvell Harrison-Gay (6-3, 225, Fr.) Emmanuel Gatling (6-0, 220, Sr.) Cameron Lawrence (6-2, 225, So.) Chris White (6-4, 245, Sr.) Brandon Wilson (6-0, 245, So.) K.J. Wright (6-4, 250, Sr.) Michael Hunt (6-3, 245, So.) Johnthan Banks (6-2, 180, So.) Maurice Langston (5-10, 180, Sr.) Corey Broomfield (5-10, 180, So.) Damein Anderson (5-11, 195, Jr.) Charles Mitchell (5-11, 205, Jr.) Wade Bonner (5-10, 200, Jr.) Nickoe Whitley (6-0, 200, RFr.) Zach Smith (5-11, 195, Sr.)
Brad Locke’s comments
Passed for 512 yards over last two games. He’ll wear No. 36 to honor late teammate Nick Bell. Has rushed for 892 yards, 16 TDs. Named All-American by several outlets this year. Has started all 12 games in first year of action. Third-year starter has overcome midseason knee injury. Considering his NFL options. Set to make his 25th career start. Has 8 catches for 29 yards. Third among healthy WRs with 218 yards. Has 22 catches for 317 yards, 2 TDs. Stepping into starting role for the injured Chad Bumphis.
Leads team with 12 QB hurries, also has 4 pass break-ups. Has 22 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks. Has 28 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks. Has made 6 starts this season. Former walk-on has 40 tackles, 23 of them solo.
DESTE LEE
Mississippi State quarterbacks Chris Relf, left, and Tyler Russell warm up before the Egg Bowl game.
Leading tackler is shooting up NFL Draft boards.
Special teams
Has 254 career tackles, including 93 this year.
K
40 37 P 38 39 KR 27 86 PR 27 3
Has 50 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 pass break-ups. Tied for team lead with 3 INTs. Started last two games in place of Whitley. Has 47 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 pass break-ups.
Mississippi State leaders RUSHING Vick Ballard Chris Relf LaDarius Perkins Robert Elliott Chad Bumphis* PASSING Chris Relf Tyler Russell
Att. 166 179 92 54 19
Cmp. Att. Int. 111 197 5 39 67 6
RECEIVING Chad Bumphis* Arceto Clark Brandon Heavens Chris Smith Leon Berry*
Rec. Yards 44 634 22 317 20 304 20 218 8 188
SCORING Vick Ballard Derek DePasquale Ladarius Perkins Chad Bumphis* Sean Brauchle Heavens/Berry*/Clark
DESTE LEE
LaDarius Perkins emerged as the season went along as another dangerous rushing and scoring threat for the Bulldogs.
Gain Avg. Long 892 5.4 75 683 3.8 71 526 5.7 51 185 3.4 13 131 6.9 24
TDs 17 0 6 5 0 2
TD 16 4 3 0 0
Derek DePasquale Sean Brauchle Heath Hutchins Baker Swedenburg LaDarius Perkins Michael Carr LaDarius Perkins Brandon Heavens
(5-8, 180, Jr.) (5-10, 180, Sr.) (6-1, 205, Sr.) (6-0, 190, RFr.) (5-10, 190, RFr.) (6-1, 195) (5-10, 190, RFr.) (5-10, 175, So.)
Has made 9 of 11 field goals this year, 19 of 23 in career. Averaging 41.3 yards per kick, 1.6 yards better than 2009. Averaging 20.4 yards on 12 returns. Neither player has returned a punt this season.
- - - ROCK SOLID - - -
Pct. Yards TD 56.3 1508 10 58.2 635 5 Avg. 14.4 14.4 15.2 10.9 23.5
Long TD 57 5 33 2 40 2 19 1 58 1
FGs PATs 0-0 0-0 9-11 21-21 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-7 20-20 0-0 0-0
Pts 102 48 36 30 29 12
DEFENSE Tackles (Solo) TFL Sacks Int Chris White 105 (52) 15.5 6.0 2 K.J. Wright 93 (47) 7.0 3.0 – Charles Mitchell 86 (51) 3.0 – – Johnthan Banks 50 (31) 1.5 1.0 2 Corey Broomfield 42 (28) 3.0 1.0 2 Nickoe Whitley 47 (33) 1.5 1.5 3 *-Out for season with injury
B&B CONCRETE CO., INC. Serving North Mississippi
130 N. Industrial Road • Tupelo • (662) 842-6312
Document: E008DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:31:50;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
PAGE 8 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
22nd
NCAA scoring offense (34.3 ppg)
5th
NCAA total offense (500.9 ypg)
WOLVERINES DEPTH CHART Offense QB 16 Denard Robinson RB FB LT LG C RG RT TE WR WR WR
102nd
NCAA scoring defense (33.8 ppg)
108th NCAA total defense (447.9 ypg)
5 2 33 49 77 72 52 56 50 63 65 57 72 79 86 80 12 19 22 6 21 17
(6-0, 193, So.) (6-1, 192, So.) (5-6, 180, So.) (6-0, 227, Fr.) (6-1, 231, Jr.) (6-8, 294, RFr.) (6-6, 306, Jr.) (6-5, 308, Sr.) (6-3, 286, So.) (6-2, 288, Jr.) (6-5, 283, So.) (6-4, 299, So.) (6-5, 313, So) (6-6, 306, Jr.) (6-7, 321, Sr.) (6-4, 255, Jr.) (6-4, 255, Sr.) (6-0, 176, So.) (5-10, 176, Jr.) (6-2, 196, Jr.) (6-0, 193, So.) (6-1, 225, RJr.) (6-3, 203, Fr.)
Averages 329.9 yards of total offense. Solid backup has thrown for 597 yards and four TDs. Second on team with 588 rushing yards.
Jibreel Black Mike Martin Adam Patterson Ryan Van Bergen Greg Banks J.B. Fitzgerald Obi Ezeh Kenny Demens Obi Ezeh Jonas Mouton Mark Moundros Cam Gordon Carvin Johnson Courtney Avery Tony Anderson James Rogers Cullen Christian Jordan Kovacs Marvin Robinson Ray Vinopal Carvin Johnson
(6-5, 251, So.) (6-2, 258, Fr.) (6-2, 299, Jr.) (6-3, 276, Sr.) (6-6, 283, Jr.) (6-4, 285, Sr.) (6-3, 244, Jr.) (6-2, 250, Sr.) (6-1, 250, So.) (6-2, 250, Sr.) (6-2, 240, Sr.) (6-1, 233, Sr.) (6-3, 207, RFr.) (6-0, 195, Fr.) (5-11, 167, Fr.) (5-11, 192, Jr.) (6-1, 183, Sr.) (6-0, 187, Fr.) (6-0, 195, So.) (6-2, 200, Fr.) (5-10, 193, Fr.) (6-0, 195, Fr.)
Also plays OLB, collected 41 tackles and 5.5 TFL.
Defense DE 88 Craig Roh 55 NT 68 99 DT 53 92 OLB 42 45 MLB 25 45 WLB 8 44 HLB 4 13 LCB 5 17 RCB 18 24 SS 32 3 FS 20 13
Daily Journal comments
Tate Forcier Vincent Smith Stephen Hopkins John McColgan Taylor Lewan Mark Huyge Stephen Schilling Ricky Barnum David Molk Rocko Khoury Patrick Omameh Elliott Mealer Mark Huyge Perry Dorrestein Kevin Koger Martell Webb Roy Roundtree Kelvin Grady Darryl Stonum Je’Ron Stokes Junior Hemingway Jeremy Jackson
Primarily used as a blocking back in short-yardage situations. Starter in eight contests this season. Tied for third most starts by an O-lineman in school history. All-Big Ten selection has started in 28 games in his career. Has played in 19 games in two-year career, starting 15. Plays both guard and tackle, 16 starts in two years. 34 receptions for 470 yards and five TD in three years. Second-team All-Big 10 performer leads team with 63 catches. Ranks second on team with 42 catches. Starter in 18 career games, had 28 grabs this season.
Second-team All-Big 10 pick has 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Has 83 tackles, 15 TFL, and nine sacks in three-year career. Racked up 40 tackles and five TFL in 36 consecutive contests. Had career-high 12 tackles against Penn State. Had a career-best 14 tackles against Illinois. Switched from WR in spring and collected 73 tackles. Played in all 12 games and started four; 4 pass break-ups. Starter in all 12 games, leads team with three interceptions. Second in Big 10 with 112 tackles. Starter in five games, debuted at safety against Notre Dame.
MIKE MUNDEN/COLUMBUS DISPATCH (MCT)
Michigan’s Jordan Kovacs (32), a former walk-on, leads the team in tackles from his safety spot.
Special teams K
46 or 34 P 43 46 KR 10 8 PR 10
Seth Broekhuizen Brendan Gibbons Will Hagerup Seth Broekhuizen Jeremy Gallon Terrance Robinson Jeremy Gallon
(6-1, 195, RFr.) (6-1, 227, RFr.) (6-4, 210, Fr.) (6-1, 195, RFr.) (5-8, 180, RFr.) (5-9, 175, So.) (5-8, 180, RFr.)
Michigan leaders
FITNESS SPECIAL
30 Down $ 30 Month OR $
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 9
Big Savings
199
$
1 Year Membership Paid in Full
119 RANKIN EXT. • TUPELO, MS 38801
(662) 841-0297
RUSHING Denard Robinson Vincent Smith Michael Shaw Stephen Hopkins
Att. 245 129 71 37
Has converted 3 of 9 FG and 42 of 43 PATs. Has converted 1 of 4 FG and 11 of 12 PATs. Averages 43.6 yards on 33 punts, with a 72-yarder vs. Purdue. Averages 21.8 yards on 27 kickoff returns ... ... and 4.3 yards on 10 punt returns.
Gain Avg. Long 1643 6.7 87 588 4.6 56 383 5.4 50 151 4.1 32
TD 14 5 9 4
PASSING Cmp. Att. Int. Pct. Yards TD Denard Robinson 155 250 10 62.0 2316 16 Tate Forcier 54 84 4 64.3 597 4 RECEIVING Rec. Yards Roy Roundtree 63 882 Darryl Stonum 42 574 Junior Hemingway 28 544 Kelvin Grady 17 211 M. Odoms 15 214 Vincent Smith 13 113 SCORING Denard Robinson Michael Shaw Seth Broekhuizen Vincent Smith Roy Roundtree Hemingway Hopkins/Stonum
TDs 14 9 0 7 6 4 4
DEFENSE Tackles (Solo) Jordan Kovacs 112 (59) Jonas Mouton 111 (59) Cameron Gordon 73 (38) Kenny Demens 69 (38) J.T. Floyd 66 (43) Obi Ezeh 56 (34)
Avg. 14.0 13.7 19.4 12.4 14.3 8.7
Long TD 75 6 66 4 70 4 43 0 49 0 19 2
FGs PATs 0 0 0 0 3-9 43-43 0 0 0 0 0 2 (TPC) 0 0 TFL 8.5 8.5 2.0 1.5 2.0 3.5
Sacks 1 2 – – – –
Pts 84 54 51 42 36 26 24 Int 2 2 2 – 1 –
JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DETROIT FREE PRESS (MCT)
Vincent Smith is the Wolverines’ secondleading rusher.
Document: E009DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:28:54;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
GAMEDAY INSIDER: Breaking down the MSU-Michigan matchup THREE KEYS FOR VICTORY
Reel in Robinson
■ It’s no secret that the strength of Michigan’s offense is sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson, who’s piled up 3,959 yards of total offense and 34 touchdowns. Stop him, stop the Wolverines. And he has been slowed down a few times. He had just 62 yards rushing against Illinois and 68 against Purdue, although he made up for it with his arm (481 yards over the two games, both wins). MSU’s defense has been strong against the run (121.7 yards per game) and has experience against mobile quarterbacks, like Auburn’s Cam Newton, LSU’s Jordan Jefferson and Ole Miss’ Jeremiah Masoli, and with good results.
Pound the ball
DESTE LEE
MSU’s Pernell McPhee will need to bring the heat all game long today against Michigan.
■ Heard this one before, haven’t you? MSU is at its best when it can march down the field behind the legs of tailback Vick Ballard and quarterback Chris Relf and eat up the clock. Those two have combined for 1,575 of State’s 2,589 rushing yards, or 60.8 percent. The Bulldogs average 215.8 rushing yards per game, second in the SEC. And they’ll go up against a Michigan defense that’s been, to put it as kindly as possible, porous. The Wolverines give up 187.7 ypg on the ground, 10th in the Big Ten and 94th in the nation.
NEAL C. LAURON/COLUMBUS DISPATCH (MCT)
WR Roy Roundtree has caught six TDs for the Wolverines, but he’s let some passes get away.
The bread-and-butter will continue to be Ballard and Relf, though, as they plow downfield behind an experienced, cohesive offensive line led by emotional leader J.C. Brignone (center) and AllAmerican Derek Sherrod (left tackle).
When Michigan has the ball
■ In Robinson, third-year head coach Rich Rodriguez finally has the perfect quarterback for his version of the spread offense, which worked wonders at West Virginia but struggled to find a groove No big plays in Ann Arbor his first two seasons. ■ A lot of this will go back to containing RobinRobinson averages 136.9 yards rushing and son, but MSU gave up too many big plays at the 193.0 passing yards per game. Between his arm end of the season, both running and passing. and legs, he accounts for 65.9 percent of MichiWhat Robinson can do besides break a big run gan’s total offensive output. is scramble out of the pocket and find an open reWhen he does hand it off, tailbacks Vincent ceiver, something he’s done on several occasions Smith and Michael Shaw have usually gotten the this season. call. They’ve combined for 971 yards and 14 It’ll be up to guys like end Pernell McPhee to touchdowns. get some pressure on Robinson, and defensive coAt receiver, sophomore Roy Roundtree leads the ordinator Manny Diaz will have to be wise about way with 882 yards and six TDs but doesn’t have when to dial up blitzes, and what kinds. the best hands. He stands 6-feet tall. A big key for MSU will making sure it’s up to game speed from the opening play. It’s been 35 CRUCIAL MATCHUP days since the Bulldogs played.
WHAT TO WATCH
When MSU has the ball
■ Even as injuries take a toll on MSU’s receiving corps, other players are stepping into the void. Like redshirt freshman tailback LaDarius Perkins, who had a career-high 140 receiving yards in the regular-season finale versus Ole Miss. Freshman receiver Michael Carr has been useful as well, though mostly in the running game. Tight end Brandon Henderson has made good catches in spots, and sophomore Arceto Clark has stepped up his game tremendously this fall.
MSU’s run defense vs. Denard Robinson
■ It’s hard to overstate how vital this matchup is for both teams. Robinson can find a tiny seam, slip through it and be off to the races in no time. MSU coach Dan Mullen has seen that speed firsthand, when Robinson, a native of Deerfield Beach, Fla., attended a University of Florida camp when Mullen was offensive coordinator there. “What makes him dangerous is when he gets into the open field – see you later,” said Mullen. “He’s a legit 4.3 (second) 40 guy.” Brad Locke
Get more in the Daily Journal sports section
■ Today: Get a detailed Gator Bowl scouting report from Rivals.com ■ Sunday: Brad Locke reports from Jacksonville with the inside scoop from the game. ■ Monday: Brad Locke looks back at the Three Keys For Victory in his MSU Rewind.
Document: E010DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:32:52;JPC 72 DPI
PAGE 10 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
MICHIGAN BOWL HISTORY Record: 19-20
Jan. 1, 1990 Rose Bowl Southern Cal 17, Michigan 10
Jan. 1, 1979 Rose Bowl Southern Cal 17, Michigan 10
Jan. 2, 1989 Rose Bowl Michigan 22, Southern Cal 14
Jan. 1, 1978 Rose Bowl Washington 27, Michigan 20
Jan. 2, 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl Michigan 28, Alabama 24
Jan. 1, 1977 Rose Bowl Southern Cal 14, Michigan 6
Jan. 1, 1987 Rose Bowl Arizona State 22, Michigan 15
Jan. 1, 1976 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 14, Michigan 6
Jan. 1, 1997 Outback Bowl Alabama 17, Michigan 14
Jan. 1, 1986 Fiesta Bowl Michigan 27, Nebraska 23
Jan. 1, 1972 Rose Bowl Stanford 13, Michigan 12
Jan. 1, 2003 Outback Bowl Michigan 38, Florida 30
Dec. 28, 1995 Alamo Bowl Texas A&M 22, Michigan 20
Dec. 21, 1984 Holiday Bowl Brigham Young 24, Michigan 17
Jan. 1, 2002 Citrus Bowl Tennessee 45, Michigan 17
Dec. 30, 1994 Holiday Bowl Michigan 24, Colorado State 14
Jan. 2, 1984 Sugar Bowl Auburn 9, Michigan 7
Jan. 1, 2001 Citrus Bowl Michigan 31, Auburn 28
Jan. 1, 1994 Hall of Fame Bowl Michigan 42, N.C. State 7
Jan. 1, 1983 Rose Bowl UCLA 24, Michigan 14
Jan. 1, 2000 Orange Bowl Michigan 35, Alabama 34, OT
Jan. 1, 1993 Rose Bowl Michigan 38, Washington 31
Dec. 31, 1981 Bluebonnet Bowl Michigan 33, UCLA 14
Jan. 1, 1999 Citrus Bowl Michigan 45, Arkansas 31
Jan. 1, 1992 Rose Bowl Washington 34, Michigan 14
Jan. 1, 1981 Rose Bowl Michigan 23, Washington 6
Jan. 1, 2008 Capital One Bowl Michigan 41, Florida 35 Jan. 1, 2007 Rose Bowl Southern Cal 32, Michigan 18 Dec. 28, 2005 Alamo Bowl Nebraska 32, Michigan 28 Jan. 1, 2005 Rose Bowl Texas 38, Michigan 37 Jan. 1, 2004 Rose Bowl Southern Cal 28, Michigan 14
Wolverines-Rebels
■ Gene Phelps, who watched the game while on assignment for the Daily Journal, offers some reflections on the 1991 Gator Bowl showdown between Michigan and Ole Miss.
See Page 14
Jan. 1, 1998 Rose Bowl Jan. 1, 1991 Gator Bowl Michigan 21, Washington State 16 Michigan 35, Ole Miss 3
Dec. 28, 1979 Gator Bowl North Carolina 17, Michigan 15
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 11
Jan. 1, 1970 Rose Bowl Southern Cal 10, Michigan 3 Jan. 1, 1965 Rose Bowl Michigan 34, Oregon State 7 Jan. 1, 1951 Rose Bowl Michigan 14, California 6 Jan. 1, 1948 Rose Bowl Michigan 49, Southern Cal 0
REINHOLD MATAY/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michigan’s Lloyd Carr, in his final game as head coach, is carried off of the field after the Wolverines beat Florida 4135 in the 2008 Capital One Bowl. Today’s bowl game is the first for Michigan since that appearance.
Jan. 1, 1902 Rose Bowl Michigan 49, Stanford 0 Source: The Associated Press
■ The Wolverines capped an 11-0 season by winning the first Rose Bowl. Michigan has appeared in the “Granddaddy of Them All” 20 times, winning eight of those.
hunt. work. play.
Martin Golf Cars
502 Air Park Rd. • Tupelo, MS
662.620.7242
Document: E011DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:25:31;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
Mark Nickels
D.U.I. Attorney Member, National College for D.U.I. Defense
Did You Know... 1. That it is not illegal per se to drink and drive in Mississippi
2. That you are not required by law to take any so-called field sobriety tests. 3. That you do not have to tell the officer if you have been drinking. 4. That you should always ask to speak with your attorney prior to being tested on the intoxilizer - it may be in your best interest to refuse the test. 5. The best defense to a charge of D.U.I. is an aggressive attorney acting as your advocate every step of the way. 6. Mr. Nickels is the attorney other attorneys call for advice concerning D.U.I.’s.
Don’t Drive Drunk! Nickels & Weddle, PLLC
113 Robins Street • Tupelo, Mississippi
841-2692
Listing of these previously-mentioned areas of practice does not indicate any certification therein. The Mississippi Supreme Court advises that a decision on legal services is important and should not be based solely on advertisements. Free background information available upon request.
Snap Continued from Page 5 There is plenty of time in practice for Feld to perfect the details, and he uses the time well. “That’s part of why we train the way we do, it’s mental toughness,” he said. “If you can’t sit there and do something repetitively and actually ignore the fact that you’ve been doing it for however long you’ve been doing it, you can’t go hard the whole time.”
Other duties
Feld does more than just snap the ball, of course. He’s got to block someone on kicks, and on punts he’s supposed to “get downfield and either make a tackle or make a guy miss or recover a fumble.” Feld has recovered two fumbles on punts this season – one against Houston, one against UAB. The first set up an MSU touchdown, the second a field goal. That’s about the only way the long snapper is going to receive positive attention. He did, however, stand front and center after the Oct. 23 UAB game. Well, he actually knelt. As the Bulldogs celebrated their 29-24 win, Feld took a knee at midfield and asked his girlfriend, Blakely Bailey, to marry him. The moment was captured on the Davis Wade Stadium video board. “Winning the game was the most important part, because if we hadn’t won – and she gets mad every time I say this – but I wouldn’t have done it if we hadn’t won,” he said. “You can’t taint a proposal with the stink of a loss. It’s just not the same.” Hey, the man’s a perfectionist.
MSU MEDIA RELATIONS
Aaron Feld got his degree in May and is now working on his Masters.
Feld’s college experience could have been much different had he attended one of the smaller schools that had offered him a scholarship, like UAB or Louisiana-Monroe. But he chose MSU, and then-coach Sylvester Croom drew much ridicule from fans for using a scholarship on a long snapper. It’s worked out pretty well for all involved, though. The scholarship has allowed Feld to leave college without the mountain of debt so many students are saddled with, and it’s allowed Jerry to keep his busiSetting his course ness viable – he owns Byte Size, a comFeld’s affinity for precision could have puter service and sales shop in Homeserved him well in another field. So bewood, a suburb of Birmingham. lieves his father. If he’s disappointed that he never be“I really thought he could’ve been a came a bruising fullback or hard-hitting doctor or an engineer real easy if he linebacker, Feld doesn’t show it. hadn’t have done some of this other He’s just charged down the path that stuff,” Jerry Feld said. opened up to him. Dad is proud of son, though, and he’s “He doesn’t always do things the easy quick to say so. Aaron graduated in May way,” Jerry Feld said. “He sets his own with a degree in construction and land course. He’s showing me that every day. development, and now he’s going for a As far as when he sets his mind to try to Masters in clinical exercise science with do something, he does pretty much set an emphasis on strength and condition- a goal and try to accomplish it. A lot of us never set that goal.” ing.
“
“He takes his job very, very seriously. Very much a perfectionist at being a long snapper. Which is what you want out of those guys. He has a specific role on the team, and it is 100 percent of his focus.”
Dan Mullen
Mississippi State head coach
Document: E012DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 09:05:38;JPC 72 DPI
PAGE 12 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 13
GAMEDAY BACKGROUND: MSU’s bowl history
Bulldogs will try to extend modest win streak BY BRAD LOCKE Daily Journal
Mississippi State does not have a rich bowl history, but it aims to change that. The Gator Bowl will be the 14th bowl game for the Bulldogs, who are 7-6 in the postseason. After losing four consecutive bowl games between the 1991 and ’98 seasons, they’ve won three in a row: The 1999 Peach Bowl, the 2000 Independence Bowl and the 2007 Liberty Bowl. Jackie Sherrill has coached MSU in the most bowl games and has a record of 2-4. This is the first bowl for second-year coach Dan Mullen, and former coach Rockey Felker, now the team’s director of player personnel, foresees many more. “There’s a chance we’re going to put a string together and have a good run of years,” he said. State’s previous bowl games:
Orange Bowl: Jan. 1, 1937
■ Duquesne 13, MSU 12: State’s first bowl experience ended in heartache in Miami, as Duquesne scored on a 72-yard Hail Mary in the waning seconds. That play accounted for all but 38 of the Dukes’ passing yardage. Ike Pickle scored the Maroons’ first bowl touchdown on a 10-yard run and also boomed an 82yard punt, which remains an Orange Bowl record. MSU, coached by Ralph Sasse, up 7-3-1.
Orange Bowl: Jan. 1, 1941
Baskerville intercepted a Greg Plump pass and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. State out-gained North Carolina, 450-255, but that was offset by two interceptions and a blocked punt return for touchdown in the third quarter. MSU finished the season 7-5.
■ MSU 14, Georgetown 7: An offensive line widely considered one of the best in the country, along with a stingy defense, lifted the Bulldogs to their first bowl victory. State scored two first-half TDs and held on despite being out-gained, 229-158. It capped a 10-0-1 season for MSU, No. 9 in the final national rankings. Coach Allyn McKeen later called it the best team he ever coached.
Peach Bowl: Jan. 2, 1995
■ N.C. State 28, MSU 24: MSU couldn’t finish drives, settling for five field goals by Tim Rogers, which tied a school record. N.C. State overcame a 21-13 third-quarter deficit, pulling ahead 28-21 early in the fourth on freshman fullback Carlos King’s 11-yard run. MSU lost despite winning the turnover battle, 20. It ended the season at 8-4.
Liberty Bowl: Dec. 21, 1963
■ MSU 16, N.C. State 12: In single-digit temperatures at Philadelphia Stadium, MSU ground out 275 rushing yards as an early 16-0 lead stood up. Hoyle Granger led the way with 94 yards on 13 carries, while quarterback Sonny Fisher rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. A big play early was Tommy Inman’s 11-yard blocked punt return for TD. State’s season ended at 7-2-2, the only winning campaign it had under coach Paul Davis (1962-66).
Sun Bowl: Dec. 28, 1974
■ MSU 26, North Carolina 24: In El Paso, Texas, running backs Walter Packer and Terry Vitrano sliced their way through the fog and North Carolina’s defense for a thrilling victory. The Bulldogs gained 455 yards rushing – Packer had 183 and two TDs, while Vitrano gained 164 with a score.
Cotton Bowl: Jan. 1, 1999
■ Texas 38, MSU 11: A few weeks after losing to Tennessee in the SEC championship game, the DESTE LEE Bulldogs (8-5) ran into a freight train named Ricky Mississippi State players celebrate with the Williams. The Heisman Trophy winner rushed for a Liberty Bowl trophy in 2007. Cotton Bowl-record 203 yards and two TDs. Texas blew the game open with a 24-point third MSU rushed the ball 68 times and passed only quarter, with Williams scoring on runs of 37 and 2 seven times, gaining 499 total yards to UNC’s 402. yards. Quarterback Major Applewhite also had a The Bulldogs finished the year 9-3 and ranked big game for the Longhorns, passing for 225 yards 18th in the country in Bob Tyler’s second season. and three TDs.
Sun Bowl: Dec. 27, 1980
■ Nebraska 31, MSU 17: A potent offense led by freshman quarterback John Bond was no match for the storied Cornhuskers, whose Blackshirts defense allowed only 195 total yards and no touchdowns until the fourth quarter. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for MSU and ended its season, the second under Emory Bellard, at 9-2.
Hall of Fame Bowl: Dec. 31, 1981
$999.99
$2099.99
$499.99
■ MSU 10, Kansas 0: As Bellard promised after the previous year’s bowl loss, MSU was back in the postseason. At Legion Field in Birmingham, the Bulldogs held Kansas to 206 total yards, including 35 rushing on 40 attempts. The TD came on QB John Bond’s 17-yard dash in the first quarter. Bond and wingback Danny Knight both rushed for 79 yards. MSU finished up 8-4 and was No. 17 in the final national AP poll.
Liberty Bowl: Dec. 29, 1991
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Dec. 30, 1999
■ MSU 17, Clemson 7: The Bulldogs gave up plenty of yards – 306 passing, 391 total – but came up with six turnovers, including five interceptions. It was a scoreless game at halftime, and MSU held a 3-0 lead after three quarters. Then a Eugene Clinton interception set up quarterback Wayne Madkin’s 2-yard scoring run, and Madkin later engineered a 57-yard drive capped by his 15-yard TD pass to tailback Dontae Walker. The win ended MSU’s season at 10-2, the first 10-win season for the Bulldogs since 1940.
Independence Bowl: Dec. 31, 2000
■ MSU 43, Texas A&M 41 (OT): In what became known as the “Snow Bowl,” Jackie Sherrill beat his old team in Shreveport, La., in a crazy finish. A&M scored to open the OT period, but the extra point was blocked by Willie Blade, and Julius Griffith took it the distance for two points, making it a 41-37 game. Then MSU got the ball, and Wayne Madkin stretched across the goal line on a 6-yard run for the winning touchdown. MSU ended the season with an 8-4 record.
■ Air Force 38, MSU 15: In Memphis, the Falcons’ relentless ground attack overwhelmed the Bulldogs, in their first year under Jackie Sherrill. Running the ball on 69 of its 71 offensive plays, Air Liberty Bowl: Dec. 29, 2007 Force piled up 318 yards on the ground and con■ MSU 10, Central Florida 3: MSU capped its trolled the clock by a margin of 37:34 to 22:26. first winning season since 2000 with its lone bowl MSU fell behind 21-0 and never could recover, appearance under coach Sylvester Croom (2004finishing the year with a 7-5 mark. 08). It wasn’t a pretty affair, but MSU’s defense held the nation’s leading rusher, Kevin Smith, to Peach Bowl: Jan. 1, 1993 ■ North Carolina 21, MSU 17: At the brand new 119 yards on 35 carries (3.4 yards per carry). For State (8-5), Anthony Dixon rushed for 86 Georgia Dome, MSU raced to a 14-0 lead in the yards and scored the game’s lone touchdown on a first quarter, but it couldn’t find the end zone 1-yard run with 1:54 left in the game. UCF missed again as the Tar Heels rallied. UNC pulled ahead two field goals. 21-14 early in the fourth quarter when Cliff
Document: E013DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 09:03:57;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
THE LAST WORD: Gator Bowl history
In 1991, Elvis left the building with victory over the Rebels
A
TUPELO long time ago in a football galaxy far, far away, Big Ten Conference football was considered superior to the brand played in the Southeastern Conference. Hard to believe, these days, I know. For a perfect example, one needs only to look back to New Year’s Day 1991 when Big Ten Michigan battled SEC Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl. The only blood spilled that afternoon in Jacksonville, Fla., belonged to the Rebels ... who eventually lost 35-3 to the Wolverines. Big Blue rolled up 715 yards total offense against a Rebels defense that had yielded 12 points to Georgia, 10 to LSU and nine to Mississippi State. On pregame paper, the fight looked even. Michigan, led by a quarterback with a Mississippi first name, Elvis (Grbac), and an eventual Heisman Trophy winner in wide receiver Desmond Howard, had missed earning a trip to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl by a combined six points in three losses. Ole Miss, which featured two quarterbacks – Tom Luke and Russ Shows –
along with a talented tailback in Randy Baldwin, had come within one win of claiming the SEC championship and grabbing a berth in the Sugar Bowl. However, as the week progressed, those of us media types covering the Ole Miss program got the feeling we might be seeing a mismatch – slanted Michigan’s way.
Hitting the links
The Rebels spent their week in Florida at the posh Sawgrass resort, home of the famed Tournament Players Club stadium golf course. “What was your score on 17?” was the main question being asked. The 17th on the TPC’s stadium course features the signature island green. A slice here, a hook there and in the drink you go. “I shot an eight,” said one player. “One guy hit nine shots in the water,” said another, laughing. The maize-and-blue-collar Wolverines didn’t bring their golf clubs to Jack-
sonville. Instead, the Big Ten entry spent a week of physical practice prepping for its SEC foe. “We hit this week ... that’s what we do at Michigan,” a Wolverine defensive back told me. Things didn’t get much better the day of the game. The SEC entry was in awe of the Big Ten power. One Ole Miss player marveled at the size of the Michigan players. “Those guys are huge,” he told his coach early in the game. Another Rebels observer admitted he got goosebumps when the Michigan band played its famed “The Victors” fight song – “Hail! to the victors valiant. Hail! to the conquering heroes. Hail! Hail! to Michigan, the champions of the West!” – during pregame warmups. Today, we’ll see if the Mississippi “school down south” can gain a measure of revenge against the Wolverines on Florida soil.
Gene PHELPS
Contact Gene Phelps at 678-1593 or gene.phelps@ djournal.com
Record 4-5 6-2 6-0-1 5-2 3-4 1-6 4-2 3-2 2-3 3-0-1 3-1 1-2-1 0-4 2-0-1 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2
CONFERENCES Atlantic Coast Southeastern Big East Big Eight/Big 12 Big Ten Southwest Independent Western Athletic Pac 10
24-15-2 20-14-1 6-12 7-5 2-6-1 2-5 1-4 1-1 0-1
Michigan 35, Ole Miss 3
Ole Miss 0 3 0 0 – 3 Michigan 7 7 21 0 – 35 First quarter Mich–Desmond Howard pass from Elvis Grbac (J.D. Carlson kick) Second quarter Miss–Brian Lee 51 field goal Mich–Jarrod Bunch 7 pass from Grbac (Carlson kick) Third quarter Mich–Howard 50 pass from Grbac (Carlson kick) Mich-Bunch 5 run (Carlson kick) Mich-Derrick Alexander 33 pass from Grbac (Carlson kick)
Woody’s meltdown lives in bowl infamy
GATOR BOWL TEAMS Appearances 9 Clemson 8 Florida 7 Florida State 7 North Carolina 7 Georgia Tech 7 West Virginia 6 Auburn 5 Tennessee 5 Virginia Tech 4 Maryland 4 Texas Tech 4 Penn State 4 South Carolina 3 Georgia 3 Oklahoma 3 Pittsburgh 3 Ole Miss 3 Missouri 3 N.C. State 3 Notre Dame
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/FILE
Desmond Howard would win the Heisman Trophy after the next season, but he blistered Ole Miss for 167 yards on six catches and ran once for 19 more yards.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/FROM ABC BROADCAST
Woody Hayes, head coach at Ohio State, strikes Clemson’s Charlie Bauman late in the 1978 Gator Bowl game. Bauman had sealed Clemson’s victory with a late interception; Hayes was fired the next day.
■ The 1978 Gator Bowl is notorious for being the final game of Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes. Hayes’ Buckeyes trailed 17-15 when an Art Schlichter pass was intercepted by Clemson nose guard Charlie Bauman. He ran the ball out of bounds at the Ohio State sideline, and a frustrated Hayes struck Bauman with his forearm. Hayes was fired the next day, before leaving Jacksonville. He died in 1987 at age 74, four years after his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Other notable Gator Bowl efforts: 1971: Archie Manning of Ole Miss, playing with a fractured left arm, passed for 180 yards and a touchdown and ran for 95 yards and another TD in a 35-28 loss to Auburn. Pat Sullivan, who would win the Heisman Trophy the next season, passed for 351 yards and two TDs. 1977: Matt Cavanaugh accounted for a Gator Bowl-record 402 yards total offense (387 pass, 15 rush) in a 34-3 win over Clemson. Cavanaugh’s passing mark was surpassed in 2008 by Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell (407). 1966: Floyd Little rushed 29 times for a bowl-record 216 yards but Syracuse lost 18-12 to Tennessee. 1989: Michigan State’s Andre Rison caught 9 passes for a bowl-record 252 yards and three TDs in a 34-27 loss to Georgia. 1965: Fred Biletnikoff caught 13 passes for 192 yards and a Gator-record four TDs in a 36-19 win over Oklahoma.
Official Gator Bowl Association website: www.gatorbowl.com
Document: E014DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 14:36:44;JPC 72 DPI
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
PAGE 14 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011
GATOR BOWL: Results, attendance, MVPs Jan. 1, 2010 Jan. 1, 2009 Jan. 1, 2008 Jan. 1, 2007 Jan. 2, 2006 Jan. 1, 2005 Jan. 1, 2004 Jan. 1, 2003 Jan. 1, 2002 Jan. 1, 2001 Jan. 1, 2000 Jan. 1, 1999 Jan. 1, 1998 Jan. 1, 1997 Jan. 1, 1996 Dec. 30, 1994 Dec. 31, 1993 Dec. 31, 1992 Dec. 29, 1991 Jan. 1, 1991 Dec. 30, 1989 Jan. 1, 1989 Dec. 31, 1987 Dec. 27, 1986 Dec. 30, 1985 Dec. 28, 1984 Dec. 30, 1983 Dec. 30, 1982 Dec. 28, 1981 Dec. 29, 1980 Dec. 28, 1979 Dec. 29, 1978 Dec. 30, 1977 Dec. 27, 1976 Dec. 29, 1975 Dec. 30, 1974 Dec. 29, 1973 Dec. 30, 1972 Dec. 31, 1971 Jan. 2, 1971 Dec. 27, 1969 Dec. 28, 1968 Dec. 30, 1967 Dec. 31, 1966 Dec. 31, 1965 Jan. 2, 1965 Dec. 28, 1963 Dec. 29, 1962 Dec. 30, 1961 Dec. 31, 1960 Jan. 2, 1960 Dec. 27, 1958 Dec. 28, 1957 Dec. 29, 1956 Dec. 31, 1955 Dec. 31, 1954 Jan. 1, 1954 Jan. 1, 1953 Jan. 1, 1952 Jan. 1, 1951 Jan. 2, 1950 Jan. 1, 1949 Jan. 1, 1948 Jan. 1, 1947 Jan. 1, 1946
Florida State 33, West Virginia 21 Nebraska 26, Clemson 21 Texas Tech 31, Virginia 28 West Virginia 38, Georgia Tech 35 Virginia Tech 35, Louisville 24 Florida State 30, West Virginia 18 Maryland 41, West Virginia 7 N.C. State 28, Notre Dame 6 Florida State 30, Virginia Tech 17 Virginia Tech 41, Clemson 20 Miami 28, Georgia Tech 13 Georgia Tech 35, Notre Dame 28 North Carolina 42, Virginia Tech 6 North Carolina 20, West Virginia 13 Syracuse 41, Clemson 0 Tennessee 45, Virginia Tech 23 Alabama 24, North Carolina 10 Florida 27, N.C. State 10 Oklahoma 48, Virginia 14 Michigan 35, Ole Miss 3 Clemson 27, West Virginia 7 Georgia 34, Michigan State 27 LSU 30, South Carolina 13 Clemson 27, Stanford 21 Florida State 34, Oklahoma State 23 Oklahoma State 21, South Carolina 14 Florida 14, Iowa 6 Florida State 31, West Virginia 12 North Carolina 31, Arkansas 27 Pittsburgh 37, South Carolina 9 North Carolina 17, Michigan 15 Clemson 17, Ohio State 15 Pittsburgh 34, Clemson 3 Notre Dame 20, Penn State 9 Maryland 13, Florida 0 Auburn 27, Texas 3 Texas Tech 28, Tennessee 19 Auburn 24, Colorado 3 Georgia 7, North Carolina 3 Auburn 35, Ole Miss 28 Florida 14, Tennessee 13 Missouri 35, Alabama 10 Florida State 17, Penn State 17 Tennessee 18, Syracuse 12 Georgia Tech 31, Texas Tech 21 Florida State 36, Oklahoma 19 North Carolina 35, Air Force 0 Florida 17, Penn State 7 Penn State 30, Georgia Tech 15 Florida 13, Baylor 12 Arkansas 14, Georgia Tech 7 Ole Miss 7, Florida 3 Tennessee 3, Texas A&M 0 Georgia Tech 21, Pittsburgh 14 Vanderbilt 25, Auburn 13 Auburn 33, Baylor 13 Texas Tech 35, Auburn 13 Florida 14, Tulsa 13 Miami 14, Clemson 0 Wyoming 20, Washington & Lee 7 Maryland 20, Missouri 7 Clemson 24, Missouri 23 Maryland 20, Georgia 20 Oklahoma 34, N.C. State 13 Wake Forest 26, South Carolina 14
84,129 67,232 60,243 67,714 63,780 70,112 78,892 73,491 72,202 68,741 43,416 70,791 54,116 52,103 67,940 62,100 67,205 65,202 62,003 68,297 82,911 76,236 81,129 80,104 79,417 82,138 81,293 70,112 71,009 72,297 70,407 72,011 72,289 67,837 64,012 63,811 62,109 71,214 71,208 71,136 72,248 68,011 68,019 60,312 60,127 50,408 50,018 50,026 50,202 50,112 45,104 41,312 41,160 32,256 32,174 28,426 28,641 28,340 34,577 10,834 18,409 32,939 16,666 10,134 7,362
E.J. Manuel, QB Joe Ganz, QB Graham Harrell, QB Pat White, QB Cedric Humes, RB Leon Washington, RB Scott McBrien, QB Philip Rivers, QB Javon Walker, WR Michael Vick, QB Nate Webster, LB Dez White, WR Chris Keldorf, QB Oscar Davenport, QB Donovan McNabb, QB James Stewart, RB Brian Burgdorf, QB Errict Rhett, RB Cale Gundy, QB Offensive line Levoin Kirkland, LB Wayne Johnson, QB Wendell Davis, SE Rodney Williams, QB Chip Ferguson, QB Thurman Thomas, RB Tony Lilly, S Greg Allen, TB Kelvin Bryant, TB Rick Trocano, QB Matt Kupec, QB Steve Fuller, QB Matt Cavanaugh, QB Al Hunter, HB Steve Atkins, TB Phil Gargis, QB Joe Barnes, QB Wade Whatley, QB Jimmy Poulos, TB Pat Sullivan, QB Mike Kelly, LB Terry McMillan, QB Kim Hammond, QB Dewey Warren, QB Lenny Snow, TB Fred Biletnikoff, WR Ken Willard, RB Tom Shannon, QB Galen Hall, QB Larry Libertore, QB Jim Mooty, HB Bobby Franklin, QB Bobby Gordon, TB Wade Mitchell, QB Don Orr, QB Joe Childress, FB Bobby Cavazos, RB John Hall, RB Jim Dooley, HB Eddie Talboom, HB Bob Ward, G Bobby Gage, HB Lu Gambino, HB Joe Golding, HB Nick Sacrinty, QB
East Main
PACKAGE STORE INC.
Wines & Spirits
Tupelo’s Largest Liquor Selection
Barefoot Merlot Magellan Gin
$10.50
1.5 L
Beringer White Zinfandel
$9.95
1.5 L
Hand Painted Bottle
$22.50
750 ml
Seagram’s Gin
$9.95
750 ml
Fetzer Merlot
$12.50 1.5 L $6.75 750 ml
Andre Champagne
2 for $10
750 ml
• Many In-Store Specials • Full Champagne Selection
OUR PRICES INCLUDE ALL TAX
Happy New Year’s
from
East Main
PACKAGE STORE INC.
1500 EAST MAIN ST. • TUPELO• 844-1460 ONE VISIT WILL CONVINCE YOU WHERE TO SHOP
Document: E015DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 29, 2010 20:10:49;JPC 72 DPI
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 ■ PAGE 15
GameDay: GATOR BOWL
For All The Bulldog Fans... Lane’s Got the Recliner for You! For years furniture shoppers have been searching for a recliner specifically engineered for the big and tall population. The ComfortKing™ Recliner from Lane® has ended that search. It offers the strongest recliner frame and steel mechanism in the industry. Now Big & Tall customers no longer have to worry whether their recliner will support them comfortably and reliably!
Bulldog Comfort King™ Recliner Built for Big & Tall High-resiliency foam accommodates individuals up to 6’ 8” tall and 350 pounds Functional Simple-to-use reclining mechanism for hassle-free operation Durable Seven-gauge steel patented mechanism for long-lasting support Roomy The length of a king-size mattress when fully reclined
599
$
Document: E016DJS010111.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: 12 30, 2010 09:02:31;JPC 72 DPI
PAGE 16 ■ SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011