Mississippi State Stops Florida : College football: Matthews throws five interceptions as No. 13 Gators lose to No. 24 Bulldogs, 30-6.

Frankie Luster had two of Shane Matthews’ career-high five interceptions and Mississippi State’s defense held No. 13 Florida to 53 yards rushing as the No. 24 Bulldogs defeated the Gators, 30-6, Thursday night.

The Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 in the Southeastern Conference) yielded only two first-half field goals, and permitted the Gators (1-2, 1-2) to cross the 50-yard line twice in the second half.

“We knew we had to get in a physical game to have a chance,” Bulldog Coach Jackie Sherrill said. “If we had gotten into a finesse game, we wouldn’t have had a chance.”

Luster’s first interception came after the Gators had driven to the Bulldog two-yard line in the first quarter. On third and goal, Luster stepped in front of Matthews’ screen pass and returned it to the Florida 49.

“I feel bad that I can’t get this offense to score a touchdown, but I don’t have a lot of words for this. Our offense stunk,” Florida Coach Steve Spurrier said.

Despite being dominated on offense, Florida trailed only 13-6 going into the fourth quarter. But Matthews threw his fourth interception into the arms of defensive end Kevin Henry at the Florida 17 and he returned it 16 yards.

Quarterback Greg Plump, filling in for the injured Sleepy Robinson, scored from the one on the next play to give the Bulldogs a 20-6 lead with 13 1/2 minutes to go.

“Defensively, our pressure forced most of the interceptions, but our players did a great job of learning Florida’s receiving routes, which made the pressure more effective,” Sherrill said.

Mississippi State’s rushing attack dominated early, but slowed after Robinson tore a ligament in his left knee after a 21-yard run.

Robinson, who ran for 79 yards before the injury, will undergo tests today and might be sidelined for the season.

“The first indication with Sleepy’s knee doesn’t look good,” Sherrill said.

Florida also had two fumbles. The Gators converted only three of 14 third downs.

“I didn’t do my job,” said Matthews, who was 17 of 38 for 224 yards. “This is probably the worst I’ve ever played. I can’t ever remember a day like this. It’s just a total embarrassment.”