Down 9-3 on the road in the first quarter, Mississippi State’s defense was in a precarious position to still be in the game’s opening period. State’s offense had been struggling after three possessions had resulted in a punt, an interception and a field goal, and it was up to the defense to do something to get the team not just back in the game, but in the game at all.
Following MSU’s field goal to close the Louisiana Tech lead to 9-3, State forced a quick three-and-out and Tech sent out their punting team, pinned deep in their own territory.