On Monday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium. The Mississippi State Bulldogs (SEC) defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten) by the final score of 19-10 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. It was the Bulldogs’ first game since the passing of head coach Mike Leach.
Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers completed 29 of 44 passes for 261 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and three carries for seven yards. Running backs Simeon Price (7 carries for 68 yards) and Jo’quavious Marks (10 carries for 50 yards) combined for 17 carries for 118 yards.
Wide receiver Justin Robinson had seven catches for 81 yards and one touchdown. Mississippi State’s defense allowed 288 yards, with 70 tackles, seven sacks, three pass breakups, and one touchdown. The Bulldogs finish the season at 9-4.
Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito completed 23 of 34 passes for 253 yards, ten carries for -35 yards, and one touchdown. Running back Reggie Love III had 12 carries for 53 yards, and one catch for seven yards. Wide receiver Isaiah Williams made nine catches for 114 yards.
Illinois’ defense allowed 388 yards, with 57 tackles and six pass breakups. The Fighting Illini finishes the season at 8-5.
