#23 Mississippi State Stays Unbeaten, Defeats South Alabama 30-10

September 22, 2012

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/AP) —Mississippi State started its season with four straight wins for the first time since

(Press-Register/Mike Kittrell)
Mississippi State’s Chad Bumphis tries to avoid Jaguar defenders in the Bulldogs’ 30-10 victory Saturday night.

1999, beating South Alabama 30-10 on Saturday night.

Tyler Russell completed 13 of 27 passes for 171 yards for the Bulldogs (4-0) while LaDarius Perkins rushed for a team-high 69 yards – including a 44-yard touchdown run.

Nickoe Whitley and Johnthan Banks both had long interception returns that stopped South Alabama drives.

It was the 15th career interception for Banks and third this season. The Bulldogs led 20-0 at halftime, giving up just 104 yards at that point.

South Alabama (1-3) lost its first game against a Southeastern Conference opponent. C.J. Bennett completed 14 of 26 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Demetre Baker added 49 yards rushing.