By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Nick Fitzgerald’s career is truly one for the record books.

The setting for Nick Fitzgerald’s historic performance was a fitting one. Not only did the Mississippi State great become the SEC’s all-time quarterback rushing leader, he did so in pacing the Bulldogs to a 23-9 upset victory over 8th-ranked Auburn. Fitzgerald passed the legendary Tim Tebow to set a new league record in running for 2,999 yards — and counting.

In a win Mississippi State had to have, Fitzgerald rushed 28 times for 195 yards and two touchdowns, emerging as the key workhorse as the Bulldogs held the football for nearly 42 minutes. Fitzgerald, along with running back Kylin Hill and a dominant defensive performance, helped MSU snap a two-game losing streak ahead of high-profile second half of the year. Upcoming after a bye for the Bulldogs: a trip to LSU, Texas A&M and, two weeks later, a game at Alabama. Then there’s the Egg Bowl in Oxford to finish the regular season.

Fitzgerald’s individual moment comes with team-wide momentum.

The national showcase included Fitzgerald’s program record-tying 17th career 100-yard rushing game and came with his 40th career rushing score; Fitzgerald becomes one of just 17 SEC players ever to reach that milestone. Overall, he now ranks tied for 13th in the league with 83 career touchdowns. With one more stride, Fitzgerald, currently 27th in the league all-time with 8,148 total yards, will become the 41st member of the conference’s 3,000-yard rushing club. His career is truly one for the record books.

With 2,999 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns, in addition to 5,149 passing yards and 43 passing scores, Fitzgerald is already one of the most productive players in SEC history. Remarkably, there is still more to come. His name featured prominently as is, expect Fitzgerald to move up even more notable lists the rest of the way.