MSU notebook: Banks returns punt for Bulldogs score

November 6, 2011

Johnthan Banks (13) returned a punt for a touchdown for MSU Saturday night. (Photo by Kim Murrell, SDN)

By DANNY P. SMITH
sdnsports@bellsouth.net
 
Johnthan Banks made a name for himself at East Webster with the ability to score in many different ways.
As the quarterback for the Wolverines and on defense, Banks found the end zone frequently.
Banks is beginning to do the same thing for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
After previously returning four interceptions for touchdowns in his MSU career, Banks had a 65-yard punt return with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter against UT Martin Saturday night. The play gave the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead and they went on to a 55-17 victory over the Skyhawks.
"You could see it set up, we had some great blocking," MSU football coach Dan Mullen said on Banks' touchdown. "We knew if he could make that first move and get to the middle of the field, I thought we had the middle of the field blocked out and wide open."
Banks, who returned an interception 27 yards for a score at Auburn on Sept. 15, joined Oregon State's Jordan Poyer as the only FBS players with a punt and an interception returned for a touchdown this season.
The Bulldogs have now returned two punts for touchdowns this season, the other was by Chad Bumphis.

Lipscomb on MSU roster

Former Starkville High School football and track player Antoine Lipscomb was listed as a roster addition for MSU for Saturday's game.
Lipscomb, a member of the Bulldog track team, walked on the football team and was on kickoff coverage late in the game against UT Martin.