Thompson carries MSU in Taxslayer

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.» It likely was Lamar Jackson’s farewell performance in college football.

It definitely was Keytaon Thompson’s coming-out party.

Thompson, a highly touted freshman making his first start in place of injured quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns to help No. 24 Mississippi State beat Jackson and Louisville 31-27 in the Taxslayer Bowl on Saturday.

“He was phenomenal,” Bulldogs interim coach Greg Knox said.

Thompson completed 11-of-20 passes for 127 yards, with an interception. He was more effective as a runner, carrying on 27 of the team’s 55 running plays.

Thompson scored twice in the fourth quarter, including a 1-yard plunge with 3:39 remaining that put the Bulldogs (9-4) ahead for good.

Jackson had the Cardinals (8-5) on the move late, but safety Mark Mclaurin intercepted his third pass of the game. Jackson got another chance in the waning seconds following a failed, fourthdown conversation. But his desperation heave was batted away in the end zone.

Jackson, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner, had different emotions after probably ending his college career with a loss. Jackson has yet to declare for the NFL draft, but most outsiders believe the dynamic junior will turn pro.

He ran 24 times for 158 yards and a touchdown, breaking the Taxslayer Bowl record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He completed 13-of-31 passes for 171 yards, with two touchdowns, four picks and six sacks. He threw just six interceptions in the regular season.