Mississippi State football: Five things Bulldogs must do to win Outback Bowl

By Ethan Lee | Dec 31, 2018

OXFORD, MS - NOVEMBER 26: Nick Fitzgerald #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball for a touchdown during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Bulldogs defeated the Rebels 55-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 10: Tight End T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes catches a pass during the first half in front of defensive back Travis Whillock #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats on November 10, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Lock down T.J. Hockenson

This is something that is, in all honesty, easier said than done. Asking the Mississippi State football team to try and keep one of the most talented and most physical tight ends in the country from doing some damage might not be a fair thing to ask for.

But, well, if the Bulldogs are going to win, it’ll be because Hockenson gets locked down.

At 6-5 and 250 pounds, Hockenson is bigger than even most linebackers. He’s also shown the ability to be a reliable and forceful receiving threat. This season, the sophomore tight end has caught 46 passes for 717 yards and 6 touchdowns.

As a tight end, Hockenson has had a better 2018 season than any of Mississippi State’s receivers. And it’s not close.

The Bulldogs will need to keep an eye on him as Nathan Stanley will look to utilize the Hawkeyes’ best receiving option.

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