Something will have to give on Saturday when the two worst teams in the SEC get together at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. The Mississippi State University Bulldogs enter the contest at 1-5 and 0-4 in the SEC, while the Kentucky Wildcats come in with a 1-6 record and an 0-5 conference mark. The Bulldogs have won seven of the last 10 games against the Wildcats. “This time of year we come into this game 5-1, 6-0 or 4-2, but we haven’t been in this situation before,” MSU head coach Jackie Sherrill said.
There is no doubt that the season has been a disappointment to everyone, but the players and coaches will look to turn things around this game.
Last year the key against Kentucky was the defense. MSU forced seven turnovers in Lexington and scored 14 points on the defensive side. That will be another key for the team this year. Jared Lorenzen will be Kentucky’s quarterback, and if the Bulldogs can get pressure on him, they can force some turnovers. The Bulldogs will also have to look for the Wildcats to run the ball more.
“Kentucky has tried to run the ball more this year, but they still rely on the pass,” Sherrill said. “They will line up and play three, four or five wide receivers.”
“They have a lot of skill on offense and a lot of guys with speed that can catch the ball,” linebacker Mario Haggan said.
Kentucky averages about 218 yards in the air this season, while the Bulldogs’ pass defense is ranked 10th in the league. The secondary is going to have to step up and make some plays.
“You have to make plays both offensively and defensively,” Sherrill said. “We haven’t done that since the beginning of the season. We have not done a good job of getting pressure to the quarterback.”
“I think we are in the process of finding the team chemistry and realizing how much talent we have,” Haggan said. “We are waiting on a victory to pull the team together and turn it around. Most people remember what you do in November; if you are a losing team you want to finish strong and build for next year.”
On the offensive side of the ball the story has not been much better for the Bulldogs. The shutout to Louisiana State University was the first at home since 1990. Senior Wayne Madkin will start for the Bulldogs, but much like the LSU game, expect to see reserve Kevin Fant in the game in the first quarter.
“Wayne is a better quarterback now but has not made big plays like the past three years,” Sherrill said. “Against LSU, Kevin (Fant) took us on two nine-play drives. But in the end, you have to get across the goal line, and we haven’t done that.”
State is only averaging 11.2 points per game this season, which is last in the SEC and 114th in the nation. The Bulldogs have only averaged 109 yards on the ground.
Senior tailback Dicenzo Miller is getting better, but his high ankle sprain will still affect his performance. Junior Dontae Walker has a sinus infection, so expect to see a rotation between those two and freshman Fred Reid in the backfield. Darnell Jones will have to carry the load at the fullback position.
Once again, the receivers will be asked to make some big plays. That is something the team has focused on for much of the season but has not been able to accomplish.
“We go out there every day in practice and try to catch everything that is thrown to us,” receiver Antonio Hargro said. “Coach Sherrill wants people to make plays that challenges everyone. I am one of those guys who wants to try to step up and work hard to make a play.”
Junior Terrell Grindle leads the team in receptions with 17, while sophomore Justin Jenkins has three touchdowns on the year. Look for those players to get some playing time early in the game.
The battle for the worst team in the conference will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.