The Mississippi State Bulldog offense will be completely restored and looking to post big numbers against a Jacksonville State Gamecock defense that delivered a stingy performance in week one. After both having byes last week, the teams will hit Scott Field under the lights at Davis Wade Stadium to kickoff the Bulldog home schedule and excite a cast of thousands.
MSU head coach Jackie Sherrill said he is looking forward to beginning the home schedule with a tune-up against the Division I-AA Gamecocks, before hosting the Auburn Tigers next Thursday. “We’re kind of anxious to get out there,” said Sherrill, MSU’s winningest football coach.
The opener will be a chance for junior QB Kevin Fant to return to the huddle and establish rhythm with his receivers after a one-game suspension dished out by the NCAA. Fant’s return is expected to spark the Dawgs’ offense that stagnated and made just 12 first downs in the season opener at the University of Oregon.
Redshirt freshman Kyle York stepped in and connected with nine different receivers to post competitive numbers (18 of 37 passes for 192 yards), but the running game never got started in Eugene as the Ducks defense held Bulldog rushers to just 31 yards.
Sherrill is glad to have his team back on campus in full force and will try to keep it that way. “Anyone who was injured is back and healthy. We hope to make it to Saturday without any more injuries,” Sherrill said.
On the other sideline, JSU head coach Jack Crowe knows that his defense may face its toughest assignment all season. Crowe’s defense is ranked No. 2 in passing defense and No. 3 in overall defense, allowing just 27 and 143 yards respectively, against Alabama A&M. This defensive shutdown earned JSU a No. 24 ranking in the I-AA poll.
On the field, Crowe knows the difference between Alabama A&M and MSU. “We’re going to get challenged with their physicalness and their running game. We’re going to get challenged with the speed of their wide receivers,” said the third year head coach.
Compound those factors with the “12th man,” and Saturday night’s brawl could favor the Maroon and White.
“We’re going to be challenged by the environment. Their fans are going to meet them there and try to bring them back as the SEC race starts,” said Crowe.
However, teams with nothing to lose can be extremely dangerous foes. Expect JSU to play like a team with everything to gain, although MSU’s offense is quicker than the Gamecock defense.