Zach Arnett is a defensive minded head coach, and he’s been calling the plays for Mississippi State’s defense since 2020. In three seasons as defensive coordinator, he’s garnered a reputation for sending pressure early and often. He likes to get pressure in the QB’s face, and he’s done it with relative success since being hired at Mississippi State.
In his three years as DC, the Bulldogs have racked up 83 sacks in 37 games for an average of 2.25 sacks per game. In every season under Arnett, the Bulldogs sack numbers have increased, and last year, they totaled 37 sacks in 13 games.
Through two weeks, State has only recorded four sacks, but have pressured the quarterback 34 times. LSU’s offensive line is the best line they faced so far this season, but it’s safe to say Brian Kelly needs to have the Tigers offensive line prepared for different blitzes and stunts from Mississippi State’s front seven.
In Kelly’s Thursday media availability, he highlighted the importance of staying balanced on offense against this Bulldog defense. Last week, Arizona played Mississippi State, and during that game, they threw the ball 46 times to just 25 runs (8 of which were by their QB). The inability to run the football allowed Mississippi State’s pass rushers to pin their ears back and focus solely on getting after the QB, especially later in the game. While they only recorded one sack, they recorded 25 pressures against Arizona.
If the Tigers want to find success against this defense, they’re going to need to find a balance on offense between their run and pass game. They can’t become a one dimensional offense and be predictable, because if they do, Arnett is going to dial up a bunch of different blitzes that’ll allow State’s front seven to get pressure in Daniels’ face.
