Bulldogs get firsts in loss to the Hogs

November 20, 2011

Mississippi State defensive lineman Fletcher Cox (94) returns a fumble during Saturday's game against Arkansas in Little Rock. (Photo by Danny Johnston, AP)

By LEE ADAMS
sdnsports@bellsouth.net

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – There were a couple of firsts during Mississippi State's football game against No. 6 Arkansas Saturday.
Redshirt freshman Dylan Favre threw his first career touchdown pass as a Bulldog late in the fourth quarter of the 44-17 loss and MSU had its first blocked field goal of the season.
Senior defensive tackle Fletcher Cox was the Bulldog who blocked the kicked and he also was the last State player to block a kick as he did so against Auburn during the 2010 season.
Cox also returned a fumble 52 yards after former East Webster player Johnthan Banks forced the fumble.
Bulldog kicker Derek DePasquale, who has been struggling as of late, made a 35-yard field goal that moves him into a fifth place tie with Scott Westerfield for most field goals made in school history.
Arkansas' Tyler Wilson finished the game with 32 completions, which is first all time in a single game for a Razorback, while leading his team to 44 points which is the third consecutive game they have score 40-plus points.
The win also gave the Razorbacks a perfect 7-0 record in home games this season which is a first since 1999. They are also currently on a seven-game winning streak as they head to Baton Rouge, La., Friday to take on rival LSU.
MSU will return home to take on rival Ole MIss as it tries to reach the six-win mark to become bowl eligible. The Bulldogs have won the last two Egg Bowls and they have high hopes of winning their third in the Dan Mullen era.