JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Up until Saturday’s Gator Bowl against Michigan, former Vicksburg High standout Marvin Bure played a small, but important role.

The walk-on defensive back would make a few special teams tackles, but on Saturday he came up with his biggest play in a Mississippi State uniform.

With the game tied at 7 in the first quarter, Bure darted after Michigan punter Will Hagerup and partially blocked his kick, which dribbled only 11 yards to set up a Derek Depasquale field goal that put State up 10-7.

“My mother told me all week that I was about to make a big play, a very big play,” Bure said. “I finally got one. I’m glad I made it and it doesn’t get any better than this.”

As for his future plans, Bure plans to be back in a Bulldog uniform for his senior season and hopes that Saturday’s blocked punt is just the beginning for him on special teams.

He and the Bulldogs are setting their sights even higher next year.

“We’re telling ourselves that we’re not satisfied,” Bure said. “Next year, we’re going to aim for a national championship.