STARKVILLE — Jeffery Simmons finally got to make his collegiate debut.
The Mississippi State football defensive lineman came under fire when a video surfaced of him striking a woman. Simmons pled no contest to simple assault and was found guilty of malicious mischief. The former Noxubee County High School standout was allowed to enroll at MSU and was assessed a one-game suspension.
He served that suspension last week as MSU lost to South Alabama. Simmons found his way onto the field in a 27-14 victory against South Carolina on Saturday night at Davis Wade Stadium and impressed.
Simmons, who wasn’t made available to the media, had four tackles (one-and-a-half for loss), one quarterback hurry, and a forced fumble.
“I think he did good,” MSU senior defensive lineman A.J. Jefferson said. “I haven’t even had a forced fumble yet and I’m still scratching my head like, ‘How did he do that?’ Watching him out there, it’s the stuff he does, knocking the center back and just making plays. I wasn’t surprised one bit. It was just a matter of when it was going to happen.”
MSU football coach Dan Mullen said he will have to view the film to make a final judgment on how Simmons played. He said earlier in the week Simmons has been a great addition to the team and has done everything asked of him.
Senior linebacker Richie Brown also said he wasn’t surprised with how well Simmons played.
“He’s got a lot of potential and a lot of talent,” Brown said. “I love him. He’s a great guy, and he’s been doing great for us.”
Ross climbing
MSU senior wide receiver Fred Ross continues to put his name in the school record book.
After six catches for 56 yards and one touchdown, Ross moved up in a couple of categories in the MSU record book.
Ross’ 6-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Nick Fitzgerald in the first quarter helped him moved into a tie for ninth place (Sammy Milner, 1968-70) in MSU history with 11 career touchdowns.
The Tyler, Texas, native has 139 receptions, tying him for fourth place with Justin Jenkins (2000-03) for fourth all-time.
He had a 17-yard passing touchdown to Donald Gray, his first-career passing touchdown.
Graves bounces back
After missing two field goals, including the potential-game winning field goal with seconds remaining last week against South Alabama, Westin Graves made two field goals.
Graves made a 27-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give MSU a 24-0 lead.
“You see the team and how they responded to him making that kick,” Mullen said. “You see the team’s confidence in him. They know that they believe in him. It was great seeing that.”
Graves split the uprights on a 28-yard field goal with 9 minutes, 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
The junior had a chance to give MSU a win last week, but his attempt at a 28-yard field goal bounced off the left upright. He also missed a 46-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter. Graves hit field goals from 37 and 48 yards in the second and third quarters, respectively.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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