Mississippi State (2-0, 0-0 SEC) was impressive on Saturday night in a 24-10 win over visiting NC State (1-1, 0-0 ACC). The Bulldogs were in control from the opening kick behind a much-improved performance from Week 1’s 35-34 win over Louisiana Tech.
Here are a few things that stood out to me after watching State’s win over the Wolfpack.
1. Tulu Griffin is a game-changer.
Just a week after a 70-yard return sparked an improbable comeback, the Bulldogs’ electric return man kicked off Saturday’s contest in emphatic fashion with a 100-yard touchdown return to get things going.
💨 @LideatrickG , TO THE HOUSE‼️#HailState🐶 | https://t.co/4MSHX0j1lr pic.twitter.com/tUXjfYflZD
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 11, 2021
Mississippi State was able to land an opening blow that NC State could never really recover from. Griffin threatens to score anytime he gets his hands on the ball, and having him in the return game will spark State throughout the season.
2. Zach Arnett’s defense will keep State in games throughout the year.
The Bulldog defense a year ago gave Mississippi State a fighting chance throughout the season when the offense couldn’t get anything going. After giving up 27 offensive points to Louisiana Tech a week ago, question marks about the defense arose as to whether or not this year’s unit had regressed in 2021.
Arnett’s group hugely answered that question with a dominating performance against the Wolfpack. Even as State’s offense sputtered during parts of the game, the defense was there to make a big play or get another stop.
NC State could only muster one touchdown against the Bulldog defense, and that score came with only 1:06 left in the contest. The defense seems to have found some answers after an underwhelming Week 1 showing.
3. The Bulldogs have several playmakers at the receiver position.
Mississippi State hasn’t exactly had the most talented or most deep receiving corps in the league over the last decade, but this year’s group seems to be different. Pac-12 transfers Makai Polk and Jamire Calvin have already made a name for themselves in Mike Leach’s offense, along with returnees Austin Williams, Jaden Walley, and Malik Heath.
2⃣ 🎯 4⃣@Wrogers__2 x @MalikHeath2 #HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/2dkO8RUilY
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 13, 2021
Caleb Ducking poses a matchup problem for defensive backs with his 6’5” frame, and the speedster Tulu Griffin can make a play at any moment. Will Rogers definitely has legit options at his disposal on the outside.