What We Learned: Mississippi State Versus LSU

Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) scores a touchdown past LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52). LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott Isn’t Going to Run the Ball as Much

I tried to warn people about this in the offseason. Throughout the game, people were screaming on social media for Dak to run the ball and to run more read option. Even if the Bulldogs ran more read option, it really wouldn’t work right now.

Part of what made the read option work so well last season was Josh Robinson ran rough shod over opponents. The  opposing defense had to respect the possibility Prescott was going to give the ball to Robinson. Right now, if we run the read option, defenses aren’t going to pay attention to the running back and just focus on Prescott.

Prescott could likely do a better job of running the ball if he was the primary runner than what the Bulldogs are currently doing, but think back to the 2013 season. Prescott was the leading rusher on the team then, and he ended up missing all of the Alabama and Arkansas games, and most of the Ole Miss game.

Prescott doesn’t need to take the hits like he has in the past. The Bulldogs definitely need to run the ball more and be more productive on the ground, but if Prescott has to carry the burden, he’s likely going to get hurt and then the Bulldogs will be in some real trouble.

Next: The Offensive Line has Major Questions