The Bulldogs are full of confidence after leaving Nashville with an SEC road win. The defense – after being punched in the mouth by Auburn – showed vast improvement, holding Vanderbilt to 157 yards of total offense. However, the No. 7 LSU Tigers are certain to be the toughest opponent of the young 2009 campaign. History does not bode well for the Bulldogs. The last time the Bulldogs beat the Tigers was 1999, and the last time the Bulldogs defeated a top-10 ranked opponent was in 2000 with a defeat over No. 3 Florida.
Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen said he is well aware of the challenges the Bulldogs will face against the Tigers.
“They’re loaded with future NFL players and five-star recruits. You look at their recruiting from the past four years, and they are filled with great recruiting classes,” Mullen said. “They’ve got a big, physical offensive line, along with talented running backs. They can put in Trindon Holliday, who’s one of the fastest guys in the world. Charles Scott is a big power back who can pound you throughout the game.”
In the face of LSU’s talent machine, the Bulldogs do not plan to lay down, for they have a few loaded bullets as well.
Senior running back Anthony Dixon is off to a fast start in the two games he has played in. He is averaging a stellar 107.5 yards a game, and said he has plans to get the Bulldogs going early.
“We need to get a fast start on these dudes, they’ll try to embarrass us,” he said. “That’s something I’m trying not to let happen since this is my senior year.”
Due to the success of Dixon and the Bulldog’s ground game, MSU only needed 81 passing yards to defeat the Commodores last week.
The Tigers have stopped the run well this season, so the passing game will certainly be a focus of improvement this week.
However, Mullen said he is more worried about controlling the game than anything else.
“Sometimes we like to get going fast when we see something we can attack,” Mullen said. “If that is not there then we slow it down and control the game. I do like being able to control the pace of the game. I like to have good time of possession at the end of the game.”
Superior time of possession does require first downs, but stout defensive play will be another cog for success in this category Saturday.
The Tigers are loaded with speed and size, but the Bulldogs are inspired. Pernell McPhee said the Bulldogs will focus on the basics to get the task done against a dangerous LSU attack.
“We’re going to keep our technique in check, and try to improve on last week’s performance,” McPhee said. “We’re going to go after the goals we set for ourselves.”
McPhee said the bar is set no lower than leading the nation in sacks.
LSU does not need any motivation for a conference game. A strong start in conference play is vital for a successful season. LSU head coach Les Miles does not know the correct name of our town, but assures us his Tigers will be amped to play the Bulldogs.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of excitement in Starksville,” he said.
Even Les Miles knows the atmosphere will be electric. Bulldog Bash provides a further draw for Bulldog faithful, and a big-time upset at home could be huge for the Bulldog’s success this season.
MSU will need to play with the determination it displayed against Vanderbilt to have a chance against the Tigers, and Mullen said he looks for the fan base to provide that spark Saturday.
“I’m really excited for a big game in Starkville. We’re excited to be back home in front of our students and fans, hopefully everyone wearing white as we have a ‘white-out’ game this weekend,” said Mullen. “We’ll have our hands full with a top-10 team in LSU, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”