Mississippi State Football: Previewing Saturday’s Matchup Against Arkansas

No. 23 Mississippi State hosts Arkansas this Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville.

The Bulldogs are coming off of an thrilling 42-24 win over Texas A&M. The workforce’s protection placed on a present, forcing 4 turnovers — three of which had been within the pink zone. MSU has compelled a turnover in each sport thus far this season, rating second within the SEC and No. 22 nationally in takeaways.

Mississippi State head coach defined that the workforce’s victory got here from every of the models working collectively. 

“I did assume we had been extra constant,” head coach Mike Leach stated in a press convention. “We weren’t the entire time. After we did have adversity on offense, protection picked us up. When one thing went improper on protection, offense picked us up. I assumed particular groups figured in as effectively. That’s what you need, complementary soccer the place all phases are upholding their finish.”

Now, Mississippi State should flip its consideration to Arkansas. A key participant for the Bulldogs going into this weekend is cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. He recorded his fourth profession pick-six and blocked a subject objective towards the Aggies. The junior presently leads the SEC with three interceptions and is ranked second with seven passes defended.

If the protection continues to face sturdy, then Arkansas could possibly be in bother making an attempt to maneuver the ball down the sphere, particularly with a key piece of its offense doubtlessly lacking. Razorbacks signal-caller KJ Jefferson is day-to-day with a head harm however shouldn’t be within the concussion protocol. His standing for the sport is unsure. Within the Razorbacks’ loss to No. 1 Alabama final weekend, Jefferson went 13-of-24 passing for 155 yards with one landing.

If the Bulldogs win, they’ll open up the season with a 5-1 general document for the primary time since 1998. The workforce may additionally develop into a severe pressure within the SEC West with a victory and momentum on its aspect. Even with these massive prospects, Leach defined that the workforce cannot look too far forward. 

“The most important factor is simply focus in on follow and enhance,” Leach stated. “That’s all we actually have management over. If we try this, it provides us a possibility to play our greatest.”

Kickoff for this weekend’s matchup is ready for 11 a.m. CT and can air on SEC Community. Previous to the sport, SEC Nation will air within the Junction beginning at 9 a.m. CT.