Greg Knox details how targeting call impacted Mississippi State in Egg Bowl

One of the biggest plays of Thursday night’s Egg Bowl came during the third quarter when Mississippi State was still very much in the game with rival Ole Miss.

The Bulldogs were leading 7-3 and had a chance to get the ball right back as Ole Miss was facing a third-and-8 from its own 27. Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart scrambled up the middle and was met by a pair of Mississippi State defenders, including linebacker DeShawn Page.

The Bulldogs stopped Dart one-yard short of a first down, but Page was called for targeting on the play. Ole Miss received an automatic first down and went on to score on the drive, before pulling away for a 17-7 victory.

After the game, Mississippi State interim coach Greg Knox shared just how critical the targeting call was.

“That was the key play of the game,” Knox said. “It was going to be a stop. We get the ball back. Momentum, energy, everything’s in our direction. And that was a big change in the game. Probably the biggest play in the game.”

Jaxson Dart left the game momentarily but returned after being checked out on the sideline. He went on to lead the Rebels to a victory, completing 14 of 26 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Dart also rushed for 30 yards.

Will Rogers releases statement on plan to enter transfer portal

It appears as though the Egg Bowl will be the final game in a Mississippi State uniform for quarterback Will Rogers.

Rogers put up some of the most prolific numbers in SEC history during his time with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Unfortunately for MSU fans, news recently broke that he has plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. On Friday evening, Rogers made the news official and released a statement to Bulldog fans.

“To the Bulldog Family: As all of you know, I love the state of Mississippi. It’s been my honor to play for our state at Mississippi State University. I am thankful to have had the privilege of playing for Coach Leach, a legend and a friend, and for all of the other coaches who believed in me and gave their all to this program,” Rogers wrote.

“My teammates are my brothers for life and over these past 4 years, we created great memories and great moments. We left it all out there. Thanks to the fans who have supported us, through some really good times and through some really hard times. You guys mean more to us than you will ever know. I will carry my time at MSU with me forever, no matter where my path may lead. Hail State! –Will Rogers”