HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — Blake Shapen threw for 270 yards and a touchdown to spearhead Mississippi State’s 34-17 season-opening win over Southern Mississippi on Saturday.

A dominant third quarter cleared the way for the Bulldogs to take full control of the game. MIssissippi State outgained Southern Miss 199-25 in the quarter and outscored the Golden Eagles 21-0 to take a 31-10 lead.

The Bulldogs sputtered on both sides of the ball for most of the first half. MSU had two touchdowns called back on penalties and instead had to settle for two field goals by Kyle Ferrie. The second one, late in the second quarter, made it 13-10 at the half.

Ferrie’s first field goal was true from 55 yards, breaking a school record that stood since 1985.

MSU’s offense outgained the Golden Eagles 462-301, wi

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