MSU vs. South Alabama Game Notes, Links, Etc.

Unless you’ll be attending the game, it can only be seen via pay per view. Bart Gregory and Jackie Sherrill will be doing the commentary for the game. Game time is set for 6:00 CST and MSU is a 34 point favorite.

South Alabama runs a spread offense. It is similar to Troy’s – which gave State trouble, but the Jaguars don’t have quite the same talent level that Troy has. This game is also at Davis Wade, and there’s no doubt a wake up call was heard, so expect a different type of game this week from the Bulldog D.

USA is in their first year of FBS play, and they’ve only been playing football since 2009. Here is a brief history and some more info on their team.

O.C. Les Koenning was at USA in 2008 when they were preparing to begin their program.

Video interviews with some key Mississippi State players.

• WR Arceto Clark took a big hit in the first series vs. Troy and did not return, but he is expected to be back for this game.
• RG Tobias Smith did not play at all vs. Troy as Justin Malone got the start in his place. He was held out as precautionary given his history of injury. I doubt he will play again this week so he will be able to have 3 weeks off (with bye week) before going to Kentucky.
• TE Brandon Hill still has the ankle injury suffered in the Auburn game and probably won’t play tomorrow.

Tyler Russell will look to rack up some more big numbers vs. lesser competition this week. Last week he showed off his arm on a couple of long pass plays. The first was a ball that Robert Johnson dropped, but would have gone for a touchdown if he had caught it. The second was caught by Chad Bumphis for a 58 yard touchdown. Neither throw was absolutely perfect as they were put on the right shoulder instead of out in front, but hey, Russell pretty much hit them in stride and it was nice to see Tyler throw the deep ball well.

South Alabama is probably a notch above Jackson State, but they aren’t as good as Troy. Mississippi State should be able to come out and dominate on their way to an easy victory, and a 4-0 record.

This is the last game to work out the kinks before the SEC starts full tilt. The good news is State has already gotten some guys experience on the offensive and defensive lines. One thing I’d like to see settled is the number two running back. Perkins is clearly number one, but after looking like Milton had the inside track he did not play at Troy. Robinson, Griffin, Milton – who is it?

Also, Joe Morrow needs to be able to get some catches under his belt before the bigger games start. Jameon Lewis as well – many folks were calling on him to surpass Chad Bumphis this year – that looks laughable right now. And Dee Arrington at safety, we haven’t heard his named called too often in the early going.

Hopfully the Dawgs will take care of business this weekend. Hail State.