Following Mississippi State’s conference-opening win over Auburn, the Bulldogs have quickly turned attention to their first road test at Troy.
In an SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday, head coach Dan Mullen said his team is getting closer and closer to discovering its identity.
“I do not know that we are there yet, but I do think that we are getting closer,” Mullen said. “The personality that I have really desired for this team to have is starting to come out, and I want to see how that carries into this week. We will see if we have the confidence to go on the road and continue to execute and play our game like we have been able to do at home.”
Mullen said starting off conference play with a victory was good for the team’s morale, but a new challenge presents itself in dealing with the success.
“This is new territory for our guys; we’ve never been in this position,” he said. “People are going to pat you on the back. Our guys understand the pats on the back can turn in to kicks in the rear end pretty quick.”
To continue the early season’s success, Mullen said his team needs to keep the momentum by improving week-in and week-out.
“We have to execute better, play harder and prepare better in practice because you are going to perform how you practice,” Mullen said. “If you take your foot off of the gas at all during the season, you slow your progress.”
Junior quarterback Tyler Russell, who was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week, said the team maintained confidence and was responsive in the win over Auburn, and the same will be needed in an opponent like Troy.
Russell has plenty of weapons offensively, including John Mackey Tight End of the Week, Marcus Green. Russell and Green have connected six times for 85 yards and three touchdowns so far this year. Green said he is focusing on being a key player this season.
“The main thing is trying to be a leader as far as in the wide-out role,” Green said. “I’m trying to get open for Tyler and show him that I am a target.”
Defensively, the Bulldogs are led by Johnthan Banks, who was tabbed Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week. Banks had two interceptions against Auburn, and Mullen said the MSU secondary will be given a challenge with the Troy wide receivers.
Along with receivers, Troy’s record-breaking quarterback Corey Robinson presents a threat as he finished 46-of-70 for 485 yards in the air in last weeks’ loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.
Mullen said Troy has a very explosive offense.
“Their quarterbacks are very experienced and can make all of the throws on the plays,” Mullen said. “They spread around a lot with different receivers, so our defense is going to have their hands full with a very tough challenge.”
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is at 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN3.com.