What Went Right? Mississippi State Continues to Show Improvement

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State lost to Arkansas by 33 points Saturday morning at Davis Wade Stadium.

It’d be easy to say nothing went right for the Bulldogs in their last game against an unranked SEC opponent. But even in the worst of defeats, there are positive things that happen.

Here are a few of the things that went right for Mississippi State against Georgia:

Run-blocking receivers and tight ends. One weakness for the Bulldogs this season has been in the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines have been out-matched and out-played at different times this season. So, it was good to see plays like Davon Booth’s untouched 54-yard touchdown be sprung by a tight end and two wide receivers on the outside springing Booth’s scoring run.

Third down stops. There are 133 FBS teams and Mississippi State’s was ranked 129th in third conversions percentage. The Bulldogs did a good job of getting penetration into the Razorbacks’ backfield in short-yardage situations, which played a role. But, also, it’s Arkansas. There’s always going to be something that leaves you scratching your head and saying “huh?”

Booth’s big kick return. Kyle Ferrie was 1-for-2 on field goals and all five of Nick Barr-Mira didn’t have any punts. So, the only positive thing to come from the Bulldogs’ special teams was a big kick return by Booth that led to Ferrie’s successful field goal in the second quarter.

What Went Wrong: Arkansas vs. Mississippi State

5 Key Stats That Define Mississippi State’s 58-25 Loss to Arkansas

Turnovers and Missed Opportunities Cost Mississippi State in Loss to Arkansas