Taylor's four TDs rally Mississippi St. from 16-0 down to 41-34 win at South Carolina in SEC opener

Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor set the tone for a dramatic comeback with a stellar performance in the Bulldogs' 41-34 victory over South Carolina, marking the start of SEC play. Taylor marched the Bulldogs from a 16-0 deficit, tossing for 251 yards and four touchdowns as they clawed their way back to a win. The Gamecocks (2-1, 0-1 SEC) took an early lead via LaNorris Sellers' touchdown pass and three field goals from first-time kicker Malik Orson.

Taylor's game got underway with a 30-yard TD pass to Sanfrisco Magee and then a 43-yard strike to Zion Ragins, setting the stage for the comeback. Taylor's 23-yard TD pass to Marquis Johnson narrowed the gap to 23-21, and he followed with a five-yard TD toss to Anthony Evans to take the lead for good. South Carolina could not mount a comeback after interceptions inside Gamecock territory on two consecutive drives, both of which the Bulldogs capitalized on - a field goal and a 7-yard TD pass from Gracen Harris to tight end Sam West.

Mississippi State tailback Fluff Bothwell rushed for a season-high 115 yards, his second straight game over 100 yards on the ground. Taylor completed 18-of-24 passes, but his first throw of the game was an interception. His four TD passes tied his career high. Sellers finished 25-of-40 passing for 282 yards with two touchdowns but also turned the ball over twice after the Bulldogs had pulled away.

Missouri-bound Mississippi State tailback Matt Fuller had a crucial 6-yard score, and a career-long 25-yard TD pass from Orson with 52 seconds left pulled the score to 41-34. South Carolina's perfect start at Towson (45-9) was halted for over an hour due to inclement weather.