Would anybody notice if we copied and pasted the game observations from any other Bulldog loss? It was the same story, a different day in Little Rock Saturday: Anthony Dixon has a career game, we turn the ball over too many times and the defense gives up big plays for touchdowns. Sound familiar?
Dixon has made the MSU rushing attack something to be proud of, but can anyone remember the last time a team rushed for over 300 yards and still lost by double-digits?
MSU needs pass production
The main reason for the loss against the Hogs is lackluster quarterback play. I have defended Tyson Lee all season as the most dedicated, intelligent and hard-working player on this squad. However, the Dawgs had no threat of a passing game as Lee and Chris Relf combined to throw for 49 yards. Being able to run the ball and control the clock is great, but only if the score is close.
When Ryan Mallett and company started racking up the touchdowns at the end of the game, there was nothing MSU could do to stage a legitimate comeback.
Sure, if they feed the ball to Dixon down after down, he will eventually reach the endzone, but by the time it happens the game will almost be over, and the Dawgs will still be deep in the hole. Opposing defenses do not have to respect the passing game because there isn’t one, which makes what Dixon has done so much more impressive.
To those who want to take out their frustrations on Lee: don’t. Yes, he has struggled this season, but would he be out there if Dan Mullen did not think he gave the Dawgs their best chance to win? Lee was a walk-on junior college transfer who no one expected to earn a starting role, but he is the top option right now. Outside of Tyler Russell, who is redshirting, MSU does not have a scholarship quarterback on the roster. Lee may not have SEC-level talent, but he has SEC-level character and is giving his team everything he can muster.
Young secondary needs to mature
When Mullen won his first national championship at Florida, the Gators had a secondary composed almost entirely of freshmen, which was considered to be the glaring weakness of the team. Fast forward to this year, and the Gator secondary is No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference and is made up of players who were once young and considered a weak link.
MSU needs similar maturation from its athletic secondary made up of multiple freshmen and sophomores, with only one starting slot occupied by a senior. The unit made big plays, like freshman Corey Broomfield’s two picks, but gave up scoring passes of 64, 58 and 39 yards. It is unfortunate, but those are the growing pains of an inexperienced secondary, and judging by raw talent, will disappear over time.
I know Mallet threw five touchdowns, but even national analysts have recognized the Dawg defense kept him off balance. Mallett was streaky throughout the game, made a number of bad decisions and did not look nearly as impressive as his five touchdown, 313 yard stat-line suggests. I blame scheme for the defensive woes more than the players. The way to disrupt a pocket-passer like Mallett is to blitz him and keep him under pressure and on the move. Putting more bodies in the secondary and only rushing three just gives him time to stand there and pick apart the defense.
Looking ahead to Egg Bowl
This is a challenge to all Bulldog fans: Go to the Egg Bowl and cheer like you did against Florida and Alabama. The chance for a bowl game is gone, but we can all recognize how hard this team has fought to win games it should not have.
Think about the four years Dixon has been grindin’ for his State and the pride he has in his school. Think about Jamar Chaney, who elected to return for a fifth year at MSU and has played with his heart on his sleeve all season long.
This team has earned our support, and this game is about pride. Mullen has been pumping up the rivalry with “that team up north” since day one. If you are disappointed with this season, then cheer as loud as you can on Saturday with thoughts of next season.
Tons of potential recruits will be in Starkville, namely Cam Newton. If Newton comes to MSU next season he will start immediately, and the dual-threat quarterback is the missing piece Mullen needs for his spread offense.
There should be “MSU loves Cam” signs in the crowd Saturday. If there is truly hope for the future of this program, we have to show it by arriving in full-force for the Egg Bowl.
Bob Carskadon is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at [email protected].