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Dan Mullen and his team are gearing up for Mississippi State’s second big game against an SEC West opponent in the last three weeks (at Auburn), and coming off a 62-13 beatdown of Northwestern State, he addressed what he’s seen so far from the Bulldogs in his weekly press conference.
Mississippi State’s statement game last week was coming off a tough home loss to LSU in Week 2, but Mullen said he thought the Bulldogs improved across the board.
Mullen: Coming off last week’s game, everyone improved.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) September 21, 2015
Despite the overall improvement, Mullen said the film still shows plenty of areas his team needs to get better in.
“I thought we improved, which was really important for us as a team. There’s still a lot of little areas to improve at.” –@CoachDanMullen
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) September 21, 2015
And Mullen knows those changes that need to be made will not come easy against an SEC opponent in Week 4.
“We’re really going to have our hands full & we’re going to have to play at a high level.” -DM on playing Auburn
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) September 21, 2015
One area where the Bulldogs drastically need to improve is on the ground. A strong running game has been a staple of Mullen-led teams in the past, but this season Mississippi State has yet to have a dominant performance from its backfield.
With starter Ashton Shumpert not lighting things up early on this season, Mullen said there’s a chance the other backs on the depth chart could see more carries moving forward but it will depend on how they look in practice.
Mullen said it depends on practice regarding if Lee and Williams will see more carries this week.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) September 21, 2015
Mullen gave his scouting report on what he has seen from Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson thus far. Johnson has struggled this season for the Tigers, but Auburn coaches did say this week that he will remain the starter.
Mullen: Johnson has the ability to run but can beat you in the pocket too.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) September 21, 2015
Mullen talking Auburn, says QB Jeremy Johnson is more versatile than Nick Marshall, can beat you a lot of ways. Athletic and good passer.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) September 21, 2015
The Auburn defense is another big threat to Mississippi State, and Mullen talked about what he has seen from the Tigers’ ferocious front seven.
Mullen particularly complimentary of Auburn’s front seven. Said they’ve got some of the best tackles and linebackers in the SEC.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) September 21, 2015
“We’re going to have to be balanced and make plays. They have a lot of talent in that front seven.” -DM on the Auburn defense
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) September 21, 2015
Mullen also said that he would like to get some of his younger players more involved throughout the rest of the season, so that he and his coaching staff can really see what they have on their roster. He pointed out freshman offensive tackle Elgton Jenkins as a young player that has stood out and needs more chances.
Mullen says of young players, “we’re going to continue to try force-feed guys on the field.” Specifically mentioned LT Elgton Jenkins.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) September 21, 2015
Mullen finished up by adding that Mississippi State’s win last year over Auburn has nothing to do with this year’s game and that any time the Bulldogs have to face an SEC opponent they know they’re in for a tough task.
“Every game is so huge in this league. That’s what makes it tough. Every game is critical to your season. Not many layup games.” -DM
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) September 21, 2015
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
