Mississippi State defeats Jackson State 56-9

By: Associated Press

Posted: Sat 10:41 PM, Sep 01, 2012

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Tyler Russell completed 15 of 23 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns to lead Mississippi State to a season-opening 56-9 win over Jackson State on Saturday night.

Mississippi State (1-0) opened the game with a 35-point first half, their largest since the 2010 season. The Bulldogs finished the game with 377 yards total offense and did not punt the football until the final minute of the third quarter.

Dan Mullen's offense was at its balanced best, with 183 yards passing and 194 yards rushing. LaDarius Perkins rushed for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Jackson State (0-1) managed 265 yards of offense and 16 first downs, but turned the ball over three times and struggled to sustain drives against a deeper Bulldog defense. Mississippi State returned two Dedric McDonald interceptions for touchdowns.

E.J. Drewery caught a 9-yard pass in the second quarter for the Tigers' lone touchdown of the game.

Aggies Open SEC Tournament Play on Tuesday

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