LSU vs Mississippi State Game Preview

LSU and Mississippi State are two teams that are holding up the reputation of the SEC West. Both have started the season 2-0 against non-conference teams going into their matchup this weekend.  So far this season, Mississippi State has beaten Charleston Southern University 49-0 and Louisiana Tech 57-21. LSU is ranked 12th, and has topped BYU 27-0 and Chattanooga 45-10 this season. Last year LSU won the close battle against Mississippi State 23-20. This Saturday the two teams will open up the all-anticipated SEC play in Starkville, Mississippi.

Bulldogs vs. Tigers on Saturday night… need we say more?#HailState pic.twitter.com/vwGvyqipLN

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 14, 2017

Mullen’s Thoughts

Mississippi States Head Coach Dan Mullen has been turning junior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald into a tough player. Fitzgerald will need to be, as the  Bulldogs are going up against a one of the most feared defenses in college football. In an interview Mullen expressed just how difficult its going to be facing a defense that has so much talent. Mullen also said it’s going to come down to having a good game plan and his players having confidence.

Miss St. Players Watch For

The man everyone will have an eye on will be this week will be, SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Jeffery Simmons. In an interview Mullen expressed how the sophomore has such a good work ethic and is a true leader on the DL.

One of the standout players from the 2016 season, junior wide receiver Malik Dear, is still questionable after tearing his ACL in spring practices. Mullen said Wednesday that Dear has started practicing with the team, but is most likely not going to see any playing time Saturday.

Donald Gary, is another player that had a great 2016 season. The senior WR has racked up 706 receiving yards with five touchdowns. In the first two games this year Gary has 76 receiving yards with one TD. Mullen mentions how great Gary is at making catches.

Orgeron’s Thoughts on Fitzgerald

LSU’s Head Coach Ed Oregeron knows his defensive is going to have to be on their game this Saturday, because of how accurate Miss St. QB, Nick Fitzgerald is at throwing. He also sees similarities in Fitzgerald and LSU QB Danny Etling. Orgeron noted that they both run their offense very well.

LSU Players to Look For

After stepping away from football, junior linebacker, Arden Key will be back on the field this Saturday. Coach Orgeron says Key should start the game, but he will use back up K’Lavon Chaisson. Since Key is a little rusty.

One of the top receivers for LSU in 2016 was senior DJ Chark and so far this season he has been surpassing expectations. In 2016 he had 466 receiving yards and 3 TDs and so far this season he already has 180 receiving yards.

Check out this interview with @DJChark82 previewing the Mississippi State game on Saturday morning on @CollegeGameDay. pic.twitter.com/II9wMNY2Co

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 14, 2017

Also tearing it up is junior running back, Derrius Guice. Who last week against Chattanooga surpassed the 2,000 consecutive rushing yards mark in his college career, with 2,047 yards. The junior only needed 271 attempts to reach the goal of 2,000 which is the fewest of any player in LSU history. So far he has 224 receiving yards and and four TDs.

Game Time

24 hours from now, #SECNation will be LIVE from The Junction!#HailState pic.twitter.com/4Uu6c5H5ap

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 15, 2017

Kick-off for Saturday 9/16 is set for 7:00 P.M. in Starkville, Mississippi on ESPN.