Opposing coach: Jackie Sherrill [Mississippi State]
September 6, 1997
Game Preview
Kentucky entered the matchup with a 1–0 overall record under Hal Mumme.
Game Summary
Kentucky lost to Mississippi State, 35–27, on September 6, 1997.
Kentucky led 27–22 entering the fourth quarter, but Mississippi State scored the final 13 points. Tim Couch threw four touchdown passes, while Brian Hazelwood’s field goals and James Johnson’s late touchdown turned the game for the Bulldogs.
Game time:
Stadium: Scott Field
Starkville
Box Score
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 7 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 27 |
| Mississippi State | 3 | 7 | 12 | 13 | 35 |
Halftime: Kentucky 21; Mississippi State 10
TV:
TV announcers:
Referee:
Attendance: 30,121
Uniform combination:
Team Statistics
| Statistic | Kentucky | Mississippi State |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 23 | 16 |
| Rushing (att–yds) | 18-M1 | 44-170 |
| Passing yards | 378 | 112 |
| Passing (cmp–att–int) | 40-62-1 | 6-21-1 |
| Punts (no.–avg.) | 7-36.4 | 6-37.7 |
| Fumbles–lost | 2-1 | 1-0 |
| Penalties–yards | 12-94 | 8-80 |
| Possession | 30:45 | 29:15 |
Individual Statistics
Kentucky
Rushing
| Player | CAR | YDS |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony White | 7 | 55 |
| A.J. Simon | 1 | 0 |
| Derek Homer | 4 | -3 |
| Tim Couch | 6 | -53 |
Passing
| Player | CMP | ATT | INT | YDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Couch | 39 | 61 | 1 | 349 |
| Dusty Bonner | 1 | 1 | 0 | 29 |
Receiving
| Player | REC | YDS |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Yeast | 8 | 75 |
| Anthony White | 7 | 28 |
| Kio Sanford | 6 | 79 |
| Jimmy Haley | 6 | 65 |
| Kevin Coleman | 5 | 89 |
| Lance Mickelsen | 3 | 21 |
| Derek Homer | 2 | 14 |
| Marvin Love | 2 | 6 |
| A.J. Simon | 1 | 1 |