5 qood questions: Mississippi State

In order to learn more about No. 6 Texas A&M’s Saturday night opponent, Mississippi State, we turned to the publisher of Maroon and White Daily, Paul Jones. Here’s what he had to say:

1. It looks like Jeff Lebby has done a great job this season turning the program around. What’s he doing differently this year that has been so successful?

Well, it sounds simple enough with the reasoning but it’s a big part of things. They went out and increased the talent/depth on the roster. Last year they couldn’t even have competitive practices because of the lack of talent and even the main guys that returned last year, several of them (mainly defensive linemen) were injured most of last season. State was playing walkons and several true freshmen in many spots on the field. Having guys in the system for two years has also helped the fortunes this year. Another factor has been some players developing well on both sides of the ball.

2. What’s the injury situation?

It’s been a rough start in that department so far, which has taken a toil on the depth. Mississippi State has already lost starting right tackle Blake Steen and starting defensive lineman Will Whitson for the season. Whitson was off to a great start with two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in the first two games. Linebacker Derion Gullette has missed the last two games and it is unclear what his status will be this weekend. Then in last weekend’s loss to Tennessee, starting receiver Brenen Thompson, starting offensive tackle Albert Reese and starting linebacker Isaac Smith all left the game with injuries. Thompson is likely to return this weekend but most expect Reese, who has been State’s best offensive lineman, to miss Saturday’s game. The situation with Smith is also unclear right now.

3. What has changed with the offense this year as opposed to past years?

The Bulldogs already returned a solid backfield led by Davon Booth. But that group got a boost with the addition of former South Alabama transfer Fluff Bothwell, who leads the team in rushing and rushing touchdowns after five games. Having quarterback Blake Shapen healthy has also aided the offensive success although he has been below-average the past two games. Shapen has a history with injuries and was lost for the season last year in the fourth game of the season. Adding speed at receiver has also extended the passing game vertically. Receivers Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans have really stretched opposing defenses with their speed and ability to be homerun threats.

4. What are some of the matchups that you’re looking forward to watching on both sides of the ball?

I know it is an old cliche but mainly the trenches, where most games are won or loss. That was the same case last weekend against Tennessee where Mississippi State had mixed results. The Bulldogs were able to rush the ball well against the Vols but struggled to protect Blake Shapen. The Bulldogs allowed five sacks last week and didn’t give Shapen much time to attempt the deep vertical shots down the field. Same goes for the other side. Outside of the first play in overtime, Mississippi State shut down the Tennessee run game and held the Vols to their lowest rushing total of the season. But they also only collected two sacks and allowed over 300 passing yards to quarterback Joey Aguliar. The Bulldogs will be challenged up front on the offensive line because the Aggies also like to get after the quarterback. They will also need to give Shapen time to operate and also try to take away the Aggies’ run game.

5. Got any predictions for the game?

There’s always question marks in a team’s first SEC road game. Mississippi State did show last weekend that they are going to be competitive in the SEC, which is a far cry from last season. But injuries could also play a major factor, especially with right tackle Albert Reese likely out. The Bulldogs struggled to run the ball late against Tennessee after Reese was injured and had to leave the game. I do think the Aggies are improved from last year and have a balanced offensive attack. I expect the Aggies to end up taking a 7-10 point victory on Saturday night.