In his grand finale at Mississippi State, Dak Prescott did not disappoint – leading the Bulldogs to a 51-28 rout of the NC State Wolfpack.
“I wanted to make sure the last time I was wearing maroon and white that people remember me as a winner,” Prescott said.
And remember they will. Despite the rainy conditions, Dak’s 4-touchdown, 427 total yard performance was one of the best of the year for him and a new Belk Bowl record. Bulldogs’ head coach Dan Mullen was visibly emotional while talking about his team leader’s final game.
“There aren’t words to describe what he has done for this program. He has taken a university and a football program and changed the way people think about it. That’s pretty unique. I’ve coached a lot of good football players, and I hate comparing guys, but he could very easily be the best guy I’ve ever coached.”
From Lil Boosie blasting in their locker room before the game, to forcing Jacoby Brissett to make only his 2nd interception this season on the very first play of the game, the tone was set from the start and Dak put an exclamation point on it.
While reminiscing about his college career, Prescott, a Louisiana native, told the story about how his mom wanted him in LSU yellow and gold, but Dak wanted to make history.
“I remember the conversation that (I had with) my mom that allowed me to sign with Mississippi State at the time I was 17. At the time LSU was all in her ear recruiting her more than they were recruiting me. I remember one night staying up to two o’clock and just telling her that I didn’t want to go jump on the team who was used to winning or something like that. I wanted to go to the team (with) a coach who was changing things, who was changing expectations, and I saw that in coach Mullen.”
Given his mindset entering college, it’s only fitting that during Wednesday’s game Prescott became only fourth player in FBS history to reach the 9,000-2,500 club (9,000 passing yards, 2,500 rushing yards in a career).
Mission accomplished. Dak will leave Mississippi State as one of the best players to suit up in white and maroon.