Recap: Miss State vs. Houston

By Sports Network

Starkville, MS (Sports Network) - Case Keenum threw for 434 yards and four touchdowns, as the Houston Cougars defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 31-24, in non-conference play at Davis Wade Field.

James Cleveland had a busy day for Houston (4-1), as the wideout hauled in 11 passes for 131 yards and two scores. Tyron Carrier also collected two touchdowns in the win, and finished the game with seven receptions for 83 yards.

Anthony Dixon did most of the damage for Mississippi State (2-4), as the tailback rumbled for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Tyson Lee had a rough time under center for the Bulldogs, throwing for just 160 yards, while also tossing two interceptions.

Mississippi State's defense opened the scoring in this contest, as Charles Mitchell returned an interception 71 yards, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

However, the Cougars answered back with a five-yard touchdown pass from Keenum to Cleveland.

The Bulldogs regained the lead early in the second stanza when Dixon broke free for a 50-yard touchdown scamper.

The lead for Mississippi State was short-lived however, as Houston evened the score at 14 apiece less than two minutes later, thanks to a 16-yard touchdown pass from Keenum to Carrier.

Mississippi State went ahead 17-14 late in the first half when Derek DePasquale connected on a 34-yard field goal.

However, the Cougars dominated the second half, beginning with a 23-yard field goal by Ben Bell midway through the third frame.

Houston took its first lead of the contest with just over six minutes remaining in regulation, as Keenum hit Cleveland with a three-yard touchdown pass.

Keenum struck again just minutes later, as the signal caller found Carrier with an 18-yard scoring strike, pushing the Cougars lead to 31-17.

Dixon plunged into the endzone from one yard out with less than a minute remaining in regulation, cutting Mississippi State's deficit to 24-17. However, the Bulldogs were unable to come any closer, as the Cougars held on for the seven-point win.