Playing in the Southeastern Conference dimmed Mississippi State's high expectations this year. With the two longest touchdown runs in the program's bowl history, senior Vick Ballard gave the Bulldogs plenty to celebrate in capping the season. The game's MVP ran for a career-high 180 yards, including TD runs of 60 and 72 yards, to lead Mississippi State over Wake Forest 23-17 Friday night in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl -- the Bulldogs' fifth straight bowl victory and second consecutive under coach Dan Mullen.
