MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hamilton, Browning, Dearing

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NATIONALLY RANKED MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY BULLDOG FOOTBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 1999 SEASON AND ITS PEACH BOWL VICTORY.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Clemson Tigers in the exciting Peach Bowl victory; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs tied a school record with 10 victories in a season; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs finished with a 10-2 record and as the highest nationally ranked football team in the state; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs finished 13th in the Associated Press poll and 12th in the USA Today/ESPN poll; and

WHEREAS, the never-say-die Bulldogs closed out the season with a thrilling come-from-behind Egg Bowl victory over the Ole Miss Rebels; and

WHEREAS, the Egg Bowl victory was characteristic of the way the "cardiac" Dogs thrilled fans throughout the season with their heart-stopping fourth quarter rallies; and

WHEREAS, the tenacious Bulldog defense finished the year as the nation's No. 1 team in total defense; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs were televised nine times during the 1999 season, and

WHEREAS, Coach Jackie Sherrill was named a semifinalist for National Coach of the Year and was named GTE Region II Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Defensive Coordinator Joe Lee Dunn was named a finalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top assistant coach; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the Mississippi State Bulldogs who have brought recognition and honor to the university, the community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate the Mississippi State University Bulldog Football team for its outstanding 1999 season, its Peach Bowl victory and its national ranking.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Coach Jackie Sherrill and the MSU Bulldog Football team and forwarded to the Athletic Director and President of Mississippi State University and the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning.