No. 23 Mississippi St. takes positives from win - CBS Atlanta 46

Mississippi State didn't have its best performance in a win over Troy on Saturday.

It was still good enough to earn them a place in The Associated Press college football poll for the first time this season. The Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) moved into the No. 23 spot following a 30-24 road victory over the Trojans.

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said he's always happy to get a win -- especially on the road -- but could sense some disappointment from his team, especially after the defense gave up 572 total yards to Troy's spread offense.

But there were also positives, including quarterback Tyler Russell's game-winning drive in the middle of the fourth quarter. He hit Chad Bumphis on a 25-yard touchdown pass to cap a clutch 74-yard march.

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