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5 players to watch when Mississippi State hosts Northwestern State
By Randy Capps
Published:
Mississippi State fell just short last week against LSU, and this week, the Bulldogs will try their luck against another team from Louisiana when Northwestern State comes calling (4 p.m. ET, SECN).
The Demons are 0-2, coming off losses to SE Louisiana (34-20) and Louisiana-Lafayette (44-17), and don’t figure to be much of a match for Mississippi State. They are, after all, 0-19 all-time against the SEC.
Still, with a trip to Auburn looming in Week 4, this is a chance for a few players to gain some momentum heading into the more challenging part of the schedule. And, just for fun, we’ll mention a Demon worth watching, too:
1. RB Brandon Holloway — The junior running back is worth watching for a couple of different reasons. First, the Tampa native is second nationally with a 49-yard average on kickoff returns. If things are going to plan for the Bulldogs, he won’t have a ton of chances to keep that number up. So, he’ll be looking to make every return count this weekend.
He’s also in a timeshare at the starting running back position, and with only 156 yards and no scores from him and Ashton Shumpert so far this season, this is just the sort of game to break out and try to carve out a larger role in the Bulldog offense.
2. QB Dak Prescott — He’s still the straw that stirs the drink, and this game will be no different. Of course, if coach Dan Mullen has his way, the senior quarterback will be a bystander shortly after halftime.
But after being held to minus-19 yards rushing in last week’s loss, don’t be surprised if Prescott finds a few creases in the Demon defense to get back on the positive side of the ledger.
Family bragging rights will also be on the line, as his older brother, Jace, was an offensive tackle for the Demons from 2008-2010 while the younger Dak was still in high school.
3. DT Chris Jones — The junior defensive tackle is fourth on the team with 13 tackles, but has yet to make the sort of impact plays that Mullen is looking for.
“Chris Jones, to me, is trying to develop to be an every snap player,” he said. “He makes some big plays, but still makes some mistakes.”
The is just the sort of game to make a few stops in the backfield — and perhaps even notch a sack or two.
4. LB Richie Brown — The junior leads the Bulldogs with 22 tackles in the first two games, while tossing in a sack and an interception as well.
This Saturday will mark his third career start, and he’ll be hoping to add to his impressive statistics.
5. Northwestern State WR Ed Eagan — The senior from New Orleans has 123 career receptions, and with four more on Saturday, will become the Demons’ all-time leader.
He already owns five school records and shares another, so keep an eye on No. 7.
Randy Capps is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, South Carolina and Georgia.
