Fitzgerald runs Mississippi St past South Carolina

Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback and the Bulldogs defeated South Carolina 27-14 Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.

Fitzgerald rushed 17 times for 195 yards and also passed for 178 yards and two touchdowns.

South Carolina was outgained 485-243 in total offense. The Gamecocks did register a pair of second half touchdown passes from freshman quarterback Brandon McIllwain, who started the second half after not playing in the first.

Fitzgerald’s rushing total broke a 36-year-old school record. His 195 yards easily passed former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond’s previous record of 163 rushing yards in 1980 against Ole Miss.

Mississippi State rolled to a 24-0 lead at halftime thanks to a pair of touchdown passes by Fitzgerald. Receiver Fred Ross had a touchdown catch and a touchdown pass in the first half.

The Bulldogs outgained South Carolina 324-90 in total yards in the first half. A lightning delay forced both teams to stay inside the locker room for an extra 32 minutes at halftime.

The Takeaway

South Carolina: The Gamecocks only had 90 yards of total offense in the first half with Perry Orth at quarterback. Orth was 9-of-17 for just 83 yards with one interception.

Mississippi State: In his second career start, Nick Fitzgerald had career highs in rushing yards, passing touchdowns, passing yards, pass attempts and pass completions.

Up Next

South Carolina: After opening the season with two straight road games, South Carolina hosts East Carolina next Saturday in the home opener.

Mississippi State: Mississippi State goes on the road for the first time this season next Saturday with a trip to LSU.

This story was originally published September 10, 2016 at 10:49 PM with the headline "Fitzgerald runs Mississippi St past South Carolina."