Three Mississippi State Athletes to Watch in the Bulldogs’ Matchup Against Arizona This Weekend

Mississippi State noticed many gamers standout in final weekend’s victory over Memphis, and the staff will look to remain unbeaten because it faces Arizona on Saturday.

The Bulldogs did quite a lot of issues proper of their 49-23 throttling of the Tigers, however there are nonetheless just a few areas wherein they should enhance earlier than heading into convention play. The staff is projected to beat the Wildcats on the street, however the uncommon setting and late kickoff will definitely be a troublesome take a look at. Some student-athletes should rise above the remaining to assist the staff keep its momentum from final weekend’s massive win. 

Listed below are three gamers to observe because the staff travels to Tucson in hopes of taking down a probably underrated Pac-12 opponent.

1. RB Dillon Johnson 

Johnson totaled extra all-purpose yards than every other MSU participant in opposition to Memphis: he rushed for 67 yards and added 39 extra yards by way of the air. Though he didn’t report any touchdowns, his important contributions helped transfer the Bulldogs down the sector and put them in scoring place a number of occasions. This time, it might be Johnson’s flip to energy by way of tackles and rating factors in opposition to an Arizona staff that has struggled closely in years previous however gained their opening sport in opposition to San Diego State. 

2. WR Caleb Ducking 

Coach Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense makes use of many receivers, and Ducking has the ability to be a standout among the many relaxation. The redshirt senior excelled in final weekend’s season-opening victory, pulling in three receptions for a complete of 73 yards and one landing. Ducking has already demonstrated his potential to make massive performs downfield and can seemingly play a good larger position for the Bulldogs this yr than he has in seasons previous. His efficiency in opposition to Arizona might play an enormous consider whether or not or not Mississippi State picks up one other win, particularly given the opposing staff’s defensive struggles over the previous few seasons.

3. DE Jordan Davis

After lacking all the 2021 season with an damage, Davis is again and seeking to be a drive to be reckoned with for Mississippi State. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound graduate pupil did slightly little bit of the whole lot for the Bulldogs in opposition to Memphis with three whole tackles and a compelled fumble. These are spectacular numbers for a student-athlete who has not seen the sector since debuting for the Bulldogs in 2020. This season is shaping as much as be an enormous breakthrough for Davis, and his management and expertise will assist the protection face an unfamiliar Arizona program in a novel setting.