What We Learned: Mississippi State Versus Auburn

Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; A Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet sits on an equipment cart during the game against the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Westin Graves is a Good Kicker

The emergence of Westin Graves as a legitimate field goal kicker is one of the best developments for the Bulldogs. It is also frustrating when we think about the game against LSU two weeks ago.

Field Goal kicking doesn’t get talked about too much, but Westin Graves solidified his spot as a really good kicker against Auburn. With the Bulldogs needing another score to put the Bulldogs back up by two possessions in the fourth quarter, Westin Graves came in and boomed a 44 yard field goal straight down the middle of the uprights.

Graves has the leg and accuracy to hit field goals from as deep as 50 to 53 or 54 yards. Despite that, Mullen sent Devon Bell to kick a 52 yard attempt against LSU two weeks ago. I don’t know if Graves would have made that kick, but I think the odds would have been much greater in the Bulldogs’ favor if he had the opportunity to show that he could.

Next: Richie Brown is stepping up