GBMWolverine: Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview
Posted at 8:00am — 12/29/2010
GBMWolverine: Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview
The game is still days away, but here are some opening tidbits dear readers; enjoy. More will be forthcoming.
Overview:
The Mississippi State Bulldogs finished the season 8-4 against one of the toughest schedules in college football. They played some of the toughest teams and defended some of the nation’s best players in 2010, including Heisman winner Cam Newton and potential #1 draft pick Ryan Mallet. The bulldog defense finished 3rd in the SEC and 16th in the country against the run, and 27th in scoring defense. Mississippi State finished 2nd in the SEC in rushing offense with 215 yards per game. So, Mississippi State’s game is run and stop the run, a very good match-up against Michigan.
Offense:
Head Coach Greg Mullens in his second year at Mississippi State as head coach and offensive coordinator Les Koenning are disciples of Urban Meyer. The Bulldogs run a version of the spread that is similar to Michigan’s. As with most spread versions Mississippi State’s is slightly different then Michigan’s. Look for the Bulldogs to use the option more and rely less on the quarterback isolation and power options.
The true strength of the Bulldog offense is the huge power offense line, led by All-First team SEC offensive tackle Derek Sherrod (#79). This group averages over 300 pounds per man.
Like Michigan, the strength of the Bulldog offense is the running game, led by bruising 215-pound junior running back Vick Ballard (#28). He rushed for 892 yards, despite missing a game with a sprained ankle. He has been practicing at full speed in Bowl prep practices and will be good to go. Vick Ballard has a solid back up in red-shirt freshman LaDarius Perkins (#27).
Mississippi State also features a true dual threat quarterback in Chris Relf (#14). He has rushed for 683 yards and passed for another 1500 yards. Chris Relf will have three solid split end’s to throw to, each having caught around 20 passes. Mississippi State will miss speedy wide receiver Chad Bumphis (#1) who will miss the game with a broken collarbone.
Defense:
The greatest strength of the Mississippi State team is the defense. This group is a base 4-3 team, but as with most teams will show multiple fronts. Defensive coordinator Manny Dias in his first year at Mississippi State is one of the up-and coming coordinators in college football. He is also a favorite here at GBMWolverine.
Coach Dias has the Bulldogs playing an super-aggressive style of defense. This is born out by Mississippi State’s impressive 82 tackles for loss and 26 sacks. The Bulldogs have also forced 20 turnovers this season, a big improvement from 2009. The defense is led by 2nd team, All-SEC, outside linebacker Chris White (#50). White recorded 105 tackles in the 2010 season including 15.5 for loss. He is joined at linebacker by K.J. Wright (#34) who had 98 tackles. The secondary is lead by Preseason All-SEC Charles Mitchell (#4) chipped in 86 tackles and cornerback Nickoe Whitley (#5).
Special Teams:
Mississippi State field goal kicker Derek DePasquale (#40) was 21 for 21 on PAT’s and 9 for 11 on Field goal’s, with a long of 48 yards. Punter Heath Hutchins (#38) averaged 41.3 yards per kick. Leon Berry (#9) is a dangerous kick off return man. Losing Chad Bumphis as the punt returner hurts the Bulldogs.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!