By By The Associated Press
Dec. 4, 2000
Less than an hour after Mississippi State's last game, coach Jackie Sherrill told Independence Bowl officials that he'd like a chance to face Texas A&M, his former team, in their bowl game.
Sherrill got his wish Sunday.
The Bulldogs (7-4) will meet the Aggies (7-4) on Dec. 31 in Shreveport, La. It will be the first meeting between the two teams since Sherrill took over at Starkville in 1991.
He coached at Texas A&M from 1982-88. But his seven-year stint at College Station ended with the Aggies on probation for booster improprieties and Sherrill's reputation tarnished.
Mississippi State lost its last two games including a 45-30 loss to Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl and a chance to play in a higher-profile bowl.
This is the third straight season Mississippi State will go to a bowl. Last season, the Bulldogs beat Clemson 17-7 in the Peach Bowl snapping a four-game bowl losing streak.
It is Mississippi State's sixth bowl appearance under Sherrill, 12th overall, and first trip to the Independence Bowl.
It will be the fourth meeting between Mississippi State and Texas A&M, but first since 1937. The four games have been split.