INSIDE SLANT
Many thought that the arrival of coach Dan Mullen, who installed the spread offense he used to help Florida win two national titles, would automatically mean more passing.
That hasn't been the case. And that's a good thing for Mississippi State.
Led by senior Anthony Dixon and two other veteran senior tailbacks, the Bulldogs are averaging 221.7 yards per game. That's fourth-best in the SEC and 20th best in the nation. All in an offense that makes its headlines by passing the ball.
But the offense that State will use to try to use to upset No. 7 LSU on Saturday at Scott Field, is a rushing-first attack. That's what Mullen said Sunday, and that's what the statistics have proven. In State's three games this season, it has rushed 68.5 percent of the time.
It helps State manage the clock, and it helps hide some of the inconsistencies with its two-quarterback system and the players who occupy those spots.
Mullen has spoken about how he wants to adapt his offense to the personnel at hand, and the first three games show how he is doing just that.
NOTES, QUOTES--A win Saturday would improve State to 2-1 in the Southeastern Conference for the first time since 2000.
--Saturday's game is No. 2 on State's seven-game home slate. Five of the six opponents are ranked in the Top 25, and four are among the top seven in the country.
SERIES HISTORY: LSU leads, 66-33-3 (last meeting, 2008, 34-24 LSU).
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The spread offense allows for liberal usage of the running backs -- and coach Dan Mullen has a bevy of backs at his disposal -- so the ground attack will be State's best way to win this year. Anthony Dixon has shown that he's a quicker back than before, and that's even better -- Dixon has been good for State ever since he became the starter in 2006.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: All the problems that presented themselves at Auburn seemed corrected against Vanderbilt, as State got pressure and had adequate secondary play. The defense seemed to play more aggressively, which was what coach Dan Mullen wanted to see. That's going to be the key for State heading forward. Can that defense build on its performance at Vanderbilt, or is it skewed because of the caliber of opponent? State's defensive front can be the catalyst for these kinds of effort.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "They're a mix of spread and power football. That's what makes them a dangerous team." -- Coach Dan Mullen, in The Clarion-Ledger, on LSU.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNELTHIS WEEK'S GAME: LSU at Mississippi State, Sept. 26 -- State is looking to get off to a good start in this three-game homestand that includes Georgia Tech and Houston. The Tigers enter 3-0, but with plenty of question marks. Could they be ripe for Dan Mullen's first upset?
KEYS TO THE GAME: LSU's offense has had trouble at times this season, so if State's defense can turn in some early big stops, the Bulldogs can put some doubt in the Tigers' minds. But if MSU's defense reverts back to Auburn mode, there's nothing a developing Bulldog offense to do to recover. To get momentum, defensive stops early will be key.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RB Anthony Dixon -- With 215 yards through two games, Dixon has shown he's the go-to guy in a loaded stable of Bulldog tailbacks.
WR Leon Berry -- Whether as a kick returner, punt returner or receiver, Berry has shown that he's not that far away from making a big play.
P Heath Hutchins -- His leg was key to State winning the field position and time of possession battle Saturday at Vanderbilt. He's turning into one of State's most reliable weapons.
ROSTER REPORT:
--RG Tobias Smith (ankle) and TE Brandon Henderson (ankle) are expected back this weekend.
--DE Pernell McPhee was named the SEC's defensive lineman of the week on Monday after his two-sack performance in Mississippi State's 15-3 win over Vanderbilt.
--LB K.J. Wright's 21 tackles is 10th-most in the Southeastern Conference.
Previous Report: 09/20/2009
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