[Tuck4Bama]

STARKVILLE — Down 14-0 late in the first quarter Saturday night at Scott Field, Gardner-Webb thought it was in business deep in Mississippi State territory.

Mississippi State's defense, which has grown downright stingy of late, had other ideas.

So the Runnin' Bulldogs ran. And passed. And ran, and ran, and ran. And passed again. And when the cowbells stopped clanging, Gardner-Webb's offense jogged off the field, shoulders slumped.

The Bulldogs returned to their sidelines, where their coaches met them with smiles. It was a six-play goal-line stand from the 2-yard-line, the length made possible by a pass interference in the middle.

MSU coach Sylvester Croom said it was just further evidence of the vow his team's defense is taking to keep other teams out of the end zone.
"They're taking a lot of pride in that," he said.

Though the Runnin' Bulldogs were in a tight spot already, the first-half goal line stand ensured Gardner-Webb wouldn't be able to generate offense until the game was out of reach. Croom said it was a noticeable momentum shift, and MSU went on to win, 31-15.

Extended goal-line stand more evidence of defense's pride