STARKVILLE (AP) — After a bye week and two straight blowout losses on the road to ranked opponents, Mississippi State retook control of the narrative of its season with 35-10 victory over BYU on Saturday.

“We did some silly things, made some silly mistakes, but overall I liked our performance,” coach Dan Mullen said. “I liked our mindset coming off of the bye week.”

The Bulldogs (4-2) executed a balanced plan of attack and got a combined four-touchdown performance from Nick Fitzgerald — with two TDs on the ground and two through the air. Mississippi State had 306 rushing yards and Fitzgerald threw for 241 to cross the 500-yard mark in total offense for the third time this season.

“We were able to get the tempo going offensively and run the ball,” Mullen said. “We stayed pretty well balanced. Now we have to get ready; we have a lot of things we have to improve on.”

BYU (1-6) intercepted two Fitzgerald passes in the end zone, both by Dayan Ghanwoloku, but could only convert one into points. The Cougars struggled offensively, finishing with 176 total yards and only eight first downs.

BYU was ranked 127th out of 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in scoring coming into the contest, at a meager 11.7 points per game.

“We sustained some drives, but just couldn’t finish,” said BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum, who was 16-of-26 passing for 145 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. “That’s on us. We have to be able to convert on third and fourth down.”

Aeris Williams rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs, who had a season-high 35 first downs and averaged 6.5 yards per carry.

“He’s a big-time guy on our offense,” Fitzgerald said. “He runs the ball hard, and he’s always going to get you the extra yard. He’s always going to fall forward.”

Fitzgerald threw for two touchdowns, and rushed for 103 yards and two scores of 14 and 15 yards. His 15-yard TD run opened the scoring in the first quarter, and his 14-yarder with 22 seconds left in the second quarter gave the Bulldogs a 21-3 lead.

It’s the second time this season that both Williams and Fitzgerald have rushed for 100 or more yards in the same game.

It was Fitzgerald’s 10th 100-yard rushing game, the most ever by a Mississippi State quarterback.

“It’s a good balance between the two of them,” Mullen said. “Fitz makes you nervous because he’s a bit of a home run threat when he can get to the outside. Then Aeries is better at hitting you between the tackles. It’s a good combo.”

Mississippi State will return to Southeastern Conference play next week when its hosts Kentucky.