After last Saturday’s two point loss to LSU (21-19), the Bulldogs are looking forward to redeeming themselves at home against the Northwestern State Demons. While State’s inexperienced players may have a sense of apprehension for Saturday’s game, fans aren’t as enthusiastic.
Because of MSU’s huge loss of 15 starters, this will be the first and possibly last time a number of freshmen have any playing time this season. After this week’s competition, the Bulldogs will not be playing at Davis Wade Stadium again until Oct. 10, so the freshman’s time is near.
Junior Ryan Mabry said, “The game isn’t even a competition against Northwestern State because they aren’t nearly as good as LSU.” So far the Demons are 0-2, scoring only 37 points compared to the 78 points made by Southeastern Louisiana and Louisiana Tech. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs outscored their opponents with 53 points compared to Southern Miss and LSU’s 37 points.
Although the sun will blaze down on fans, with temperatures reaching the 93 degree mark for a kick off scheduled for the late afternoon, devoted Mississippi State fans will be in attendance for the “Haughton vs Haughton” rivalry. There will be two Haughton High School alumni competing for a win Saturday night- Northwestern’s starting quarterback J.D. Almond and Dak Prescott.
“Haughton vs. Haughton at quarterback, it’s something we toyed with all summer long, but the way J.D. played last week, he earned the right,” Northwestern’sHead Coach Jay Thomas said. “We were very productive with him in the game.”
XavierMoore, sophomore, said, “There’s no doubt about who’s gonna bring home that W on Saturday night”
“We have a great defensive line,” Antonio Parker said, “the entire defensive line is relentless in pursuing the other team’s quarterback.” Opinions and expectations differ from one person to the next, but every bulldog fan can look forward to changing MSU’s record from (1-1) to (2-1).