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STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Ticker) -- Wayne Madkin fired three touchdown passes as Mississippi State blitzed Middle Tennessee State, 40-7, in the season opener for both schools. Madkin was efficient, completing 16-of-24 passes for 235 yards without an interception. The Bulldogs (1-0) were one play away from recording their second straight season-opening shutout as Middle Tennessee State's Wes Counts threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Hansford Johnson as time expired. Defensive end Conner Stephens set up the Bulldogs at the Middle Tennessee 27 with an interception. Six plays later, Dontae Walker dashed from eight yards to open the scoring 2:29 into the second quarter. Scott Westerfield added a 51-yard field goal before Madkin unloaded a 58-yard scoring pass to Justin Griffith with 6:08 left in the half. Ashley Cooper forced a fumble by Counts that was recovered by linebacker Barris Grant at the Middle Tennessee 36 with 1:42 to go. Madkin capped the ensuing seven-play drive with a three-yard scoring flip to Dicenzo Miller with 25 seconds remaining to make it 23-0. Westerfield booted a 35-yard field goal before Madkin and Matt Butler combined for a 44-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 33-0. Griffith scampered 25 yards to complete Mississippi State's scoring. Chris Rainey finished with a team-high 42 rushing yards for the Bulldogs, who totaled 399 yards. Butler and Griffith combined for 151 yards on seven receptions. Mississippi State blanked Vanderbilt in its 1998 season opener. Counts completed 21-of-35 passes for 183 yards for the Blue Raiders, who were held to 34 yards rushing. Johnson had team highs of eight receptions and 93 yards for Middle Tennessee State, which committed three turnovers.
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