mississippi state took a 7–0 lead after chad bumphis returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown with 9:20 left in the first quarter. louisiana tech cut the lead to 7–3 after matt nelson made a 43-yard field goal with 5:49 left in the first quarter. at the 14:17 mark in the second quarter, louisiana tech took a 10–7 lead when lennon creer scored a 4-yard rushing touchdown to cap off an 11-play, 80-yard drive. mississippi state retook the lead after vick ballard scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown with 8:45 remaining in the second quarter to make the score 14–10 mississippi state. mississippi state added a field goal to take a 17–10 lead going into halftime.