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Play of the Year, 1998
Nov. 17th, 1998. Arkansas vs Mississippi State. It's an overcast day in Starkville, MS, temp in the high 50's. Arkansas is 9-1, Mississippi State 8-2. This is the effective SEC West Championship game, though both teams play easy opponents next week. State wins the toss, elects to receive first. State promptly drives the length of the field and easily scores a touchdown, however star rb JJ Johnson leaves the game with a pulled groin. State's tenacious defense under Joe Lee Dunn is shutting down the Hogs offense, forcing punt after punt. But without JJ State cannot punch the ball into the endzone and must settle for 3 short field goals, going ahead 16-0. But no defense can hold out forever if their offense can't stay on the field. Arkansas explodes for two quick touchdowns, bringing the score to 16-14 with time running out in the first half. The Dawg's offense, under the direction of red-shirt freshman Wayne Madkin, quickly drives down the field and manages another Brian Hazelwood field goal as time expires in the field half: Mississippi State 19, Arkansas 14. Defense prevails in the third quarter, until late in the quarter when the Hogs manage a touchdown, grabbing the lead 21-19. The defensive struggle continues, until the Dawgs receive an Arkansas punt and drive down to the Hog 30 yard line. But Madkin throws an interception that is returned all the way to the State 20. With time running out, this could be a disaster. But there are flags on the play! During the return an Arkansas players is caught for making an illegal block in the back. The Hogs are all the way back at their own 40. The tenacious defense again comes up with a huge stop, sacking Hog qb Stoerner twice, forcing a punt with 3 minutes left and the clock running. The Arkansas punter, playing poorly all game, stays true to form and booms a 25 yard punter, giving the Dawgs the ball on their own 45. States gets a couple first downs all the way to the Hog 30, but that's where their luck seems runs out. A false start and 3 incompletions later, it's 4th and 15, game in the balance. Madkin drops back to pass...looking...looking...avoids a sack...another one...throws......caught! by Cooper, 17 yards, 1st down. State runs the ball a couple more times, but with time down under a minute and running, they are content to let the clock tick away. After a couple time outs by the Hogs attempting to ice Hazelwood, it's time for the play of the year. The snap back is good, as is the spot. Hazelwood kicks....... just inside the right goalpost. State on top 22-21. After a few early celebraters storm the field, State kicks off. After a futile attempt to lateral the ball and score, Arkansas is defeated. All heck breaks loose while the State fans tear down the goalposts.
