Mississippi State Versus Missouri Report Card

Nov 5, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen adjusts his headset in the game between the Missouri Tigers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching Grade

The coaches did a good job of getting the team ready in what was less than ideal circumstances. Having to play on a Thursday night, even with the added bonus of extra time off due to the bye on the previous week, can throw a player’s routine off. But that didn’t appear to be the case against Missouri.
Also, figuring out a way to weather the storm both literally and figuratively was huge for the Bulldogs. Missouri has a really good defense, and they were coming after Prescott all night long. And when the game had been cut to 14-13, the coaching staff made some nice adjustments in the locker room which helped put Missouri away for good in the fourth quarter.

The coaching staff also had to deal with some serious injury issues on the night. Malik Dear, Dontavian Lee, and Elgton Jenkins were all out due to undisclosed injuries. The most critical of the three was the injury to Jenkins. Rufus Warren would suffer an injury late in the first half, and since Jenkins is the backup left tackle, the coaches had to put together a patchwork offensive line that was very hit or miss when it came to protecting Dak Prescott.

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Prescott took a number of big hits in the game in the second half, most from his blind side. Considering how Mississippi State had to just find a way to get by, it was to be expected, but one hit caused Prescott to have to leave the field for a play and scare Bulldog fans to death at the same time. Dak returned on the very next play which made us all breathe a big sigh of relief.

It was a solid game from the coaches, and they overcame some hurdles. It’s never easy to win on the road in the SEC, regardless of who the opponent is, so it’s good to see the Bulldogs get win number 7 even if it was to a less than stellar opponent.