JACKSON, Miss.—Derek Pegues can isolate the exact moment Mississippi State’s fortunes turned.

“We got a lucky bounce,” Pegues said of his 20-yard interception return for a touchdown that helped the Bulldogs upset Auburn 19-14 last season. “The ball really bounced off the tight end’s pads. I had a good read on the quarterback, made a jump on the ball and was able to catch it before it hit the ground. I think it was one of the bigger plays of the season.”

And what a season. Mississippi State went 8-5, won the Liberty Bowl and replaced memories of embarrassing probation-fu...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.