By By Danny P. Smith/special to The Star
October 13, 2002
STARKVILLE Mississippi State's homecoming was a coming out party for freshman defensive back Darren Williams.
In Saturday's 11-8 victory against Troy State, the Clarksdale native had three interceptions which was something that hadn't happened for the Bulldogs in 26 years.
The last MSU player to accomplish the feat was Henry Davidson in 1976.
Williams' first interception with 11:29 left in the first quarter set up Brent Smith's 31-yard field goal, then he had two more in the second half.
Curley Hallman, the defensive back coach for the Bulldogs, likes Williams' potential.
Williams realizes there is quite a bit a freshman has to learn about the game.
Williams' feat also helped Mississippi State tie a team record for most interceptions in a game with six. The Bulldogs also had six picks against Arkansas in 1939.
MSU linebacker T.J. Mawhinney had the final pick with 2:18 left in the game, but he knows who set the tone in the game.
The six interceptions thrown was a school record for Troy State.