Tigers' Flynn proves more than capable as passer and runner
 

August 31, 2007
By Kyle Veazey

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State faced a hard task in preparation for LSU's offense, and specifically its quarterback, Matt Flynn.

The Bulldogs knew Flynn was capable, no doubt. But they had to go all the way back to the 2005 Peach Bowl to find film of him running the Tigers' offense full-bore, and that was back when Jimbo Fisher was running the offense.

Under Gary Crowton Thursday, Flynn showed the Bulldogs why he was a threat: He was 12-of-19 for 128 yards, with two scores and no interceptions. On the ground, Flynn was more dangerous, as he ran 11 times for 42 yards.

"I think it surprised our players a little bit just how athletic he was," Croom said.

Said MSU defensive end Titus Brown: "We knew he was an athlete; we knew he could run. He just made plays tonight. He showed great poise and made the plays they needed him to make."

After the Tigers took a 17-0 lead at halftime, Flynn made sure the rout was on by leading a quick scoring drive to open the second half. He was 3-for-3 on the drive, finding favorite target Early Doucet all three times, including an 11-yard TD pass. On the play that preceded the score, Flynn ran for 21 yards and a first down.

"We didn't make that many adjustments at halftime," Flynn said. "We knew the plays were going to come."

His coach was pleased, too.

"He really was the key to our efforts on offense," Miles said. "He moved well in the pocket and avoided negative yards."

Tigers' Flynn proves more than capable as passer and runner -The Clarion-Ledger- Real Mississippi