Posted on 11/28/2005 5:33:54 PM PST by somniferum
Jerious Norwood backed up his coach's big talk.
Norwood scored four touchdowns in his final game at Mississippi State, leading the host Bulldogs to a 35-14 victory against rival Mississippi on Saturday in the Egg Bowl.
His big performance came after coach Sylvester Croom spiced up the rivalry when he said ''we're going to beat their butt,'' then stuck by those strong words in the days before the game.
Norwood rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries, and caught a 5-yard scoring pass from Mike Henig in leading the worst offense in the Southeastern Conference to 409 total yards -- 146 more than its average.
He scored on runs of 1, 2 and 33 yards in surpassing 200 yards rushing for the second time this season, and helped Mississippi State outrush Ole Miss 304-31. The Bulldogs (3-8, 1-7) won the Battle for the Golden Egg for the first time since 2001.
''We own Mississippi,'' receiver Omarr Conner said. ``We're a program on the rise. If this doesn't make you believe, then you're in the wrong place.''
Flashbulbs popped, cowbells clanged and the Bulldogs hopped up and down at midfield before hoisting the 78-year-old, gold-plated Golden Egg trophy.
And after his team backed up his strong comments, Croom refused to back off of them.
''I said it. I meant it,'' he said.
Norwood briefly left the game with leg cramps on the fifth play of the third quarter. He returned for the final play of the quarter and keyed two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter.
''Sometimes you have to play through that kind of pain,'' Norwood said. ``I didn't think I would come back that strong.''
Ole Miss finished 3-8, 1-7.
(Excerpt) Read more at miami.com ...
THAT IS GREAT...LIKE BRINGING BACK CHRISTMAS INSTEAD OF HOLIDAY
Another reality: Recruiting the blue chips is tough for all three of MS's D-1A schools precisely because we have three D-1A schools in a very unpopulated state. There's no solution for the problem, but tis a reality we all face each recruiting season.
MM
I can't tell you how glad I am to hear they are back!
When they were banned, a huge chunk of history and fun was removed.
I am so glad you had such a good time.
So, you are graduating in '06?
Big ole Congrats! ;o)
"THAT IS GREAT...LIKE BRINGING BACK CHRISTMAS INSTEAD OF HOLIDAY"
LOLOLOL!
I SO TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!
;o)
"(MURRAY CHRISTMUS MOMMA)"
I LOLed AT YOUR TAGLINE, TOO!
;o)
Thanks!
Im actually graduating in about 2 weeks, but Im going to remain in Starkville doing an internship for the spring, then Ill most likely be heading to that 'other' university ;) for law school in August.
O ye of little faith......
Croom is just gettin' his feet on the ground. Go Dawgs!
Croom is excellent...no doubt whatsoever about that.
Good to see you! ;o)
We won't talk about Auburn and Alabama and LSU and .......
LOL!
Good move. ;o)
Croom is going to be good. My daughter took a class or two over the summer. There were team members in her class. Croom made a habit of dropping by to see that his players were IN CLASS. If they weren't, they were in deep, deep and sinking further....
I thought he would be that kind of coach.
I'm glad to know he is.
He will be very good not just for football,
but for the school, as well.
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