What We Learned: Mississippi State Versus LSU

Sep 5, 2015; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Ashton Shumpert (32) runs away from Southern Miss Golden Eagles linebacker Sherrod Ruff (37) in the first quarter of their game at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Someone Needs to Step Up at Running Back

Running back has been a huge problem in the early going. Ashton Shumpert is running tentatively, and Brandon Holloway has been the most consistent runner of the two. The natural reaction is to just play Holloway more.

The problem with playing Holloway more is his style isn’t conducive to running the ball as the primary back in the Dan Mullen offense. He is small and won’t break tackles. If Holloway is going to be our primary back, then the Bulldogs are going to have to change the way they approach running the ball.

We might see more of Williams and Lee in the upcoming game with Northwestern State. If Shumpert continues to struggle (18 attempts for 76 yards so far on the season) the Bulldogs are going to have to find someone else to step up. Williams and Lee are supposed to be studs, and we need to see what they can bring to the table.

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