Mississippi State running back Nick Griffin will miss the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The school says Griffin suffered the injury during a practice on Saturday and tests revealed the damage. He is scheduled to have surgery on Thursday. The 6-foot, 225-pound sophomore rushed for 223 yards and a touchdown this season while averaging seven yards per carry. He had emerged as the primary backup for starter LaDarius Perkins.