South Carolina Loses; Mississippi State Wins First SEC Game

Mississippi State rallied from two 14-point fourth-quarter deficits to beat its opponent 38-35, earning coach Jeff Lebby his first SEC victory as Lebby praised the team's toughness, said starter Blake was evaluated under concussion protocols, and credited Kamario Taylor for key late contributions. South Carolina dropped its fourth straight game, losing 30-14 at Ole Miss, was outgained 417-230 and continues to rank among the nation's weakest offenses (about 294.1 yards per game); QB LaNorris Sellers was sacked six times, threw for 180 yards with two interceptions and had negative rushing yardage. Coach Shane Beamer said the team has struggled to “finish,” acknowledged he will review staff changes amid mounting questions, and stressed the Gamecocks still need wins to reach bowl eligibility. Jackson State simplified its game plan at halftime, freshman QB Jared Lockhart threw a 42-yard touchdown and sparked a 41-16 second-half surge in a 41-16 win as the Tigers improved to 6-2 (4-1 SWAC).