No. 15 Mississippi St beats Middle Tennessee 45-3

By David Brandt

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Oct. 20 2012 8:20 p.m. MDT

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Mississippi State running back LaDarius Perkins (27) runs up field as a teammate ties up Middle Tennessee safety Jajuan Harley (36) in the first quarter of their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012.

Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press

Summary

Tyler Russell threw for 191 yards and three touchdowns, Johnthan Banks tied a school record with his 16th career interception and No. 15 Mississippi State pulled away in the second half to beat Middle Tennessee 45-3 on Saturday night.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Tyler Russell threw for 191 yards and three touchdowns, Johnthan Banks tied a school record with his 16th career interception and No. 15 Mississippi State pulled away in the second half to beat Middle Tennessee 45-3 on Saturday night.

Mississippi State (7-0) led just 10-3 at halftime, but scored three touchdowns in the third quarter to open a comfortable lead in the non-conference game. It was the ninth straight win for the Bulldogs, dating to last season.

LaDarius Perkins shook Mississippi State's offense out of an extended drought midway through the third quarter, bursting through the middle of the line for a 64-yard touchdown to put the Bulldogs ahead 17-3. He finished with 125 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Mississippi State's Chris Smith caught a career-high seven passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

Middle Tennessee (4-3) was led by Jordan Parker's 66 yards rushing.

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