Mississippi State University takes on the Troy Trojans Saturday in what will be the first game of a four-game home stretch for the Bulldogs. This game is the beginning of a pivotal point in the Bulldogs’ schedule, especially after falling to a 1-2 record in a last-second loss to Auburn last weekend. Troy might be a Sun Belt team, but the Trojans are not to be underestimated. The Bulldogs played Troy a year ago on the road, and the Trojans gave MSU all it could handle as the Bulldogs held on to win a tough game 30-24. 
Head coach Dan Mullen acknowledged the potential threat Troy poses as a team, especially Trojan quarterback Corey Robinson. 
“It will be a great challenge for us this week against Troy,” Mullen said. “They’ve always been able to put up points and put them up in a hurry, and their quarterback is special.” 
Robinson, who is a four-year starter and No. 42 on the all-time passing list, is the active leader in career passing yards in college football. Stopping Robinson and the Trojans passing attack will be priority number one for the Bulldog defense. Against Auburn, the MSU defense held the Tigers’ run game effectively, but miscues in the secondary caused the Dogs to surrender big plays, and it ultimately cost them the game. 
So far this season, Robinson has passed for 870 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions and completed over 75 percent of his passes. Troy has an up-tempo offense with an efficient passing game that can cause problems. The Bulldog secondary already had question marks coming into the season, with only one returning starter and a lot of inexperience. Those concerns are still present and have now been compounded by injuries on the back end as well.   
Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said he recognizes the challenges of defending Troy and said facing them last year will be beneficial in preparation. 
“They’ve got a good offense. Their coaches do a great job, their quarterback is the leader in passing yards and they have good skill players so it’s going to be a challenge for us,” Collins said. “Our kids remember what happened last year. They did a good job on offense against us so we’ve got another big challenge again coming up on Saturday.”  
MSU senior quarterback Tyler Russell has been practicing this week, but his status remains unchanged for now. He has still not been cleared for contact, which means Dak Prescott will most likely make his third consecutive start. Prescott brings a different dimension to the offense, and that new dynamic was on full display last week versus the Tigers as he led the team in rushing with 133 yards. 
Offensive coordinator Les Koenning said he has been impressed by Prescott’s play up to this point. 
“The run game is a different type of run game when Dak is in the game because he can carry the ball and make some plays for us, too,” Koenning said. “He’s always looking at his grade, looking for feedback and trying to get better. He strives for excellence.” 
Prescott’s ability to run the ball along with the running backs will be key in the game as MSU has the advantage up front with bigger, stronger players on the line. With an injured Bulldog secondary, running the ball effectively will also keep Troy’s offense off the field and limit the Trojan’s opportunities to attack the secondary. 
Troy might not be a big name opponent, but Saturday’s game will be pivotal because of the upcoming schedule. After Troy, the Dogs will face LSU and a slate of powerhouse SEC teams in South Carolina, Texas A&M and Alabama down the stretch of the season.  
 

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Emma Katherine Hutto

Sophomore quarterback Dak Prescott holds his helmet up in victory after the Alcorn State game.