Mississippi State running back Vick Ballard ran for 134 yards and three touchdowns as the Bulldogs cruised to a 47-24 victory over the Houston Cougars Saturday night at Robertson Stadium.
Houston quarterback David Piland threw for 301 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first career start. Piland is a true freshman from Dallas Southlake Carroll and took the reins from Terrance Broadway, who struggled against Tulane last week.
The Bulldogs took Houston running back Bryce Beall completely out of the game, holding him to 17 yards on eight carries. The Cougars didn’t help themselves throughout the game, finishing with three turnovers compared to none for Mississippi State.
Houston’s leading receiver, James Cleveland, did not play due to suspension.