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Mississippi State

Bulldog backs set for physical challenge against Arizona State

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk09/04/25RobbieFaulkOn3
davon booth12
Photo by Jared Thomas, Maroon and White Daily

No one was totally satisfied with Mississippi State’s 34-17 win over Southern Miss to start the season, but the Bulldogs came away feeling positive about the 2025 team.

The offense especially had things to clean up in the win as Jeff Lebby’s unit felt like there was plenty of meat still left on the bone. 14 penalties from the team – most of which came on the offense – was a glaring blemish on the game that the coach said must improve. To go along with that, the Bulldog offensive line had plenty of things to clean up in terms of those penalties and the blocking.

Despite sputtering from the line, State’s running game was still fairly effective. The unit with the highest upside on the team had its running backs rush 31 times for 153 yards with three touchdowns.

“We played pretty good, but we also left a lot on the field after watching film,” Davon Booth said. “It’s game one and there’s a lot to learn from it. As far as game one, this year was better than last year.”

Game one a success for Bulldog runners

While the Bulldogs had more yards (203) in game one last season than the 188 this year, that came against Eastern Kentucky and 92 of those yards came from non-running backs. This year’s group looks to be poised to get off to a much better start to the year.

The senior Booth had much more comfortability in game one as he rushed 16 times for 79 yards and a score. Newcomer Fluff Bothwell barreled his way to 43 yards on 10 carries and scored twice in the second half. Johnnie Daniels added a little something extra to the unit as he rushed four times for 28 yards.

It’s a unit that is not quite hitting its stride, but the potential is there to be special. Each individual has also accepted their role which has made life easier for everyone.

“With the rotation going on, you have a room full of backs that have different skills. We all use them to our advantage and it turned out pretty good,” Bothwell said. “Last year is was about when I get my chance, take advantage of it. This year is the same thing. Get to know your role and when you do go in, do what you’ve got to do.”

In Lebby’s offense, the backs are also tasked with doing a whole lot more than tote the rock. Pass blocking is essential.

That’s why every Tuesday the unit goes head-to-head with the linebackers in pass blocking drills to prepare them for the physicality they have to play with on Saturdays. That was another thing that the group felt they did fairly well in game one.

“That’s the one thing we’ve got to live by – if we don’t block, we don’t get the rock,” Booth said. “Coach Tuck emphasizes pass blocking a lot and we do pass pro against the linebackers every Tuesday and call it ‘tough guy Tuesday’. That’s very important. We’re glad to be able to give Blake (Shapen) the time to throw the ball.”

Though the USM game was a success in the win column, week two will not be a walk in the park.

The Bulldogs are set to welcome No. 12 Arizona State to Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday night (6:30 p.m., ESPN2) and the offense is set to face off against a veteran group. Almost every defensive starter returns to the Sun Devils from last season and the group held Northern Arizona to just 89 yards rushing on 29 attempts a week ago.

“That’s a very physical group,” Booth said of the Sun Devil defense. “I think they brought back 10 of 11 guys on defense so we’re preparing for them right now and know it’s going to be a physical game. That’s a good group over there and we’re excited to play them again.”

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