Sometimes I feel like I’m complaining all the time. I guess it’s easy to do when the Dawgs haven’t won any games this year outside of the BCS, and the Homecoming game left a lot to be desired. Still, there is plenty State has done well so far so here are my top 5 things that have gone right though the first half of the season…
Sep 21, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Troy Trojans running back Jordan Chunn (36) carries the ball up the field and is tackled by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (96) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-7. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Jones – WOW. We knew he was a 5-star but wow he’s good! Some folks said he would make an immediate impact while others weren’t so sure, but he has been a beast up front and maybe the best player on our defensive line. The play in the 2nd quarter of the LSU game where he destroyed the right tackle is one of my favorite plays all year. He’s made three starts as a defensive tackle, but he’s played DE in games as well. So far Jones has 14 tackles, 4 TFL, one sack and 4 QB hurries. If he continues to progress he will be an absolute monster next year.
Dak Prescott – From the time Dak stepped on campus many MSU fans believed he was the ideal quarterback for Dan Mullen’s system and he would eventually take our offense to new heights. Due to Tyler Russell’s injury he has proved his meddle as a sophomore, running and throwing in his fearless pursuit of yardage. Due to his style of play MSU has averaged 214 YPG which is 70 YPG better than 2012, and equals the pace set by the 2010 team. Dak himself has accounted for 457 rushing yards and thrown for 890 yards and 3 touchdowns. No matter what happens the rest of the year with the QB situation, we can rest assured the position is taken care of in 2014 under Prescott.
Defensive pressure – the defensive line has turned into a force under David Turner (or perhaps more accurately the increased aggressiveness of Geoff Collins). This unit was a shadow of what they are now last year. They have 24 QB hurries through six games – they had only 27 in 13 games last year. They are on roughly the same pace as far as sacks go, but should have nearly 40% more tackles for loss this fall.
WR play – one of the biggest question marks going into the season was how the wide receivers would perform. So far I’d have to say they’ve done a good job. Despite Tyler Russell missing three full games and being limited in the other three, this team is actually averaging 6 more YPG passing than 2012’s record setting team. Jameon Lewis has really stepped up as a go-to receiver (leads the team with 393 yards and 3 TD), Robert Johnson has done well and true freshman D’Runnya Wilson and Fred Ross have had a few catches themselves. Despite all the hand-wringing about Joe Morrow he’s started every game and is the 3rd leading reciever on the team. This unit should only get better as they gain experience.
Linebackers – I love watching these guys go after it. Benardrick McKinney, Matthew Wells and Deontae Skinner have all done well this year. Richie Brown has stepped up in the absence of Ferlando Bohanna. Zach Johnson and Beniquez Brown have made some impressive plays as well. So far, at 144 YPG, this looks to be the best rush defense since the 2010 team which featured KJ Wright and Chris White manning the middle.
