Nic Mitchell talks goal line stop, Bulldog win and moving forward

In the middle of the euphoric celebration following Brenen Thompson’s 58-yard touchdown reception against Arizona State, a play on the prior possession set the tone for a 24-20 Mississippi State win.

With the Bulldogs on the verge of giving up a 96-yard touchdown drive to suck all of the air out of Davis Wade Stadium, senior linebacker Nic Mitchell stepped up to the plate. Mitchell hit an open hole on 3^rd and Goal from the 1 yard line and stuck the running back in the backfield to set up a field goal from the Sun Devils.

Those three points proved to be crucial as the Bulldogs had the game-winning score from Thompson and then an interception from Hunter Washington on the next play to seal a top 15 win. It was a big victory for MSU (2-0) and for Jeff Lebby as the coach looks to move the program forward in the coming weeks.

The veteran Mitchell spoke to the media this week about that big 3^rd down stop and what the win meant to his team, but also how the program plans to move ahead after a hot start.

Question: What did it mean for you to receive the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week award?

NM: “It’s a lot. It’s huge. I see it as a team award. I’m honored. It’s a blessing from God being put in the position I’m in now – it’s all the Lord. I’m grateful and it’s more to come so I’m going to keep pushing for it.”

Q: How did you feel like the defense executed the plan on Saturday?

NM: “I feel like we executed our tail off in the first half and we kind of slowed coming out of halftime. We need to start faster. We kind of gave them some life and some juice and they started picking up some momentum. That’s the challenge to come out of the half, start fast and keep that switch on. Don’t let up.”

Q: As one of the leaders of the defense, what was your role to rein in the emotions for the team?

NM: “You have to learn to deal with your success. You win and flush it because there’s another game you have to play this Saturday. That takes great maturity to respect your opponent this week. We have to handle our business this week and go 1-0. You can’t get stuck in the past. It’s great for the city and everything, but we’ve got to move on and keep chopping wood and keep chasing our goals.”

Q: What did you see on that goal line stand on 3^rd down?

NM: “I was just doing my job; doing what I’m coached to do. It was heavy package so you know you’ve got to get downhill. I just got downhill and stuck my nose in there. That was a long drive and it bled a lot. When we got down there it was time to bow up. We stopped them on first down and we said ‘oh yeah, we can do this for sure.’ We just bowed our neck up and handled our business.

“It shows resilenece and that’s the culture. It was a long drive. They ran the ball down our throats. We preach defending every blade of grass, no matter what. It’s always huge for any defense to go out there to bow your neck in a situation like that in a critical moment. It changed the game.”

Q: How much does it mean for the defense to have coach Coleman Hutzler named SEC Coach of the Week by CBS?

NM: “I love coach Hutzler. That man comes in and works his tail off and pours into us each and every day. I wouldn’t want no other coach. I’m happy for him and he’s just getting started. I’m glad to be on his journey and I’m glad he’s coaching me. Great coach.”

Q: Your fellow students turned out strong. Did you feel that energy on that goal line stand?

NM: “That was the best crowd and atmosphere in my five years here. If we keep packing the stadium like that, we’re going to be a problem. That’s a tough environment to play in for anybody so we encourage those guys to keep showing up no matter who we play. That was amazing for sure.”

Q: You guys took a hit on the defensive line with Will Whitson going out. What’s your confidence level in that group?

NM: “Anytime that happens to a player like that it’s tough. I’m always praying for Will and he’s going to be great. He has a bright future ahead of him. I’m definitely confident. You’ve got guys in the room like Deonte (Anderson) who had a good game Saturday. He’s going to step up. We’ve got guys in that room that can roll and we’re going to keep pushing along.”