Mississippi State fans will have the opportunity to appease their pigskin appetite on Saturday when Jackie Sherrill’s Bulldogs conclude spring practice in the Maroon and White Scrimmage. The scrimmage, a tradition that accompanies Super Bulldog Weekend, will follow fanfare festivities at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. The intra-squad match will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Assistant head coach Jim Tompkins said that fans can catch a sneak peak of next fall’s squad in the offense versus defense format. Tompkins also said that every Bulldog will see action in the scrimmage.
The offense will go full throttle, with frequent passes down the field, Tompkins said. On the other side, the defense will be basic, with little blitzing.
He said that spring practice has improved all the players in all situations.
“We have had some hard-nosed practices, with quite a bit of contact,” he said.
Tompkins emphasized the game’s role in giving players a chance to play in front of the Bulldog fans.
“The players want to finish spring practice on a good note. It is their final chance to prove where they should be on the depth chart for the fall,” he said.
Although the spring practice session will soon conclude, players will work throughout the summer with head strength coach Mike Grant to maintain the strength, agility and conditioning levels that are required to compete in the Southeastern Conference.
The players will also participate in independent skill clinics to stay crisp and ready for the season that will begin with a trip to the University of Oregon. This showdown with the Ducks will begin the ‘Dawgs first-ever 12-game regular season on Aug. 31.
“It will be a tough opener, but it will begin an exciting schedule for players and fans,” Tompkins said.