Alcorn State
N/A0-0
Mississippi State
6th SEC8-4
Alcorn State @ Mississippi State preview
Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
Coming off an emotional win over Georgia, the Mississippi State Bulldogs try to win consecutive games for the first time since 2007 when they host in-state opponent Alcorn State Saturday.
It's the teams' first meeting.
Mississippi State (2-2, 1-2) earned a 24-12 SEC win last week despite being outgained by Georgia. The Bulldogs forced three turnovers and limited Georgia to two field goals in three red-zone trips. For the season, the Bulldogs have allowed opponents only three touchdowns in 12 red-zone possessions.
Now the defense faces FCS school Alcorn State, which has averaged 39.3 points in going 3-0. The Braves are committed to the running game, with tailback Gabriel Nash averaging 100.3 yards per game and dual-threat quarterback Brandon Bridge adding 51 yards a game.
It appears Mississippi State will be missing a key defender. Tackle Fletcher Cox is doubtful after spraining his ankle in the fourth quarter against Georgia. Cox has 13 tackles, three for loss, and a team-high 1.5 sacks.
Mississippi State abandoned its two-quarterback rotation against Georgia, sticking with Chris Relf. The junior rewarded coach Dan Mullen with one of the best games of his career, passing for 148 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 109 yards. He became the first Bulldogs quarterback to surpass the 100-yard mark in both rushing and passing since 2000.
But Mullen told reporters this week he plans to keep using freshman Tyler Russell, more of a traditional pocket passer. Russell passed for 256 yards and four touchdowns in a season-opening 49-7 win over Memphis, but has thrown four interceptions and no touchdowns since.
Running back Vick Ballard scored rushing and receiving touchdowns to help the Bulldogs to their first win over Georgia since 1974. Ballard has scored six of Mississippi State's 13 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs also could get a boost from the return of their tight ends. Starter Marcus Green (knee) and backup Brandon Henderson (undisclosed injury) missed the Georgia game, but Green is day-to-day and Henderson is expected to play.
Getting the running game going against Alcorn State might not be easy. The Braves have allowed 89 yards per game on the ground, albeit against the likes of Langston, Mississippi Valley State and Alabama State.
It's the teams' first meeting.
Mississippi State (2-2, 1-2) earned a 24-12 SEC win last week despite being outgained by Georgia. The Bulldogs forced three turnovers and limited Georgia to two field goals in three red-zone trips. For the season, the Bulldogs have allowed opponents only three touchdowns in 12 red-zone possessions.
Now the defense faces FCS school Alcorn State, which has averaged 39.3 points in going 3-0. The Braves are committed to the running game, with tailback Gabriel Nash averaging 100.3 yards per game and dual-threat quarterback Brandon Bridge adding 51 yards a game.
It appears Mississippi State will be missing a key defender. Tackle Fletcher Cox is doubtful after spraining his ankle in the fourth quarter against Georgia. Cox has 13 tackles, three for loss, and a team-high 1.5 sacks.
Mississippi State abandoned its two-quarterback rotation against Georgia, sticking with Chris Relf. The junior rewarded coach Dan Mullen with one of the best games of his career, passing for 148 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 109 yards. He became the first Bulldogs quarterback to surpass the 100-yard mark in both rushing and passing since 2000.
But Mullen told reporters this week he plans to keep using freshman Tyler Russell, more of a traditional pocket passer. Russell passed for 256 yards and four touchdowns in a season-opening 49-7 win over Memphis, but has thrown four interceptions and no touchdowns since.
Running back Vick Ballard scored rushing and receiving touchdowns to help the Bulldogs to their first win over Georgia since 1974. Ballard has scored six of Mississippi State's 13 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs also could get a boost from the return of their tight ends. Starter Marcus Green (knee) and backup Brandon Henderson (undisclosed injury) missed the Georgia game, but Green is day-to-day and Henderson is expected to play.
Getting the running game going against Alcorn State might not be easy. The Braves have allowed 89 yards per game on the ground, albeit against the likes of Langston, Mississippi Valley State and Alabama State.