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Mississippi State returns to conference play against Kentucky
By Pat Donohue
Published:
After playing back-to-back non-conference games, Mississippi State gets back to SEC play against cross-division rival Kentucky.
This game will be played in primetime Saturday night on SEC Network and Bulldogs fans will be wearing all black for a “Black Out” in Starkville.
The 43rd meeting between Mississippi State and Kentucky is also going to be a rubber match as the series is currently tied 21-21. But the Bulldogs have won the last six meetings, including 45-31 last year in Lexington. Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen has never lost to Kentucky.
The Wildcats have not beaten Mississippi State since 2008, when they came away with a narrow 14-13 victory in Starkville.
Kentucky is Mississippi State’s permanent SEC East opponent, and Saturday will mark the 26th straight year that the two teams have played each other. In his weekly press conference on Monday, Mullen said it’s definitely fair to call this series a rivalry.
Although both teams have some talented players on defense, expect some points to be scored in this game. Kentucky and Mississippi State are led by two of the conference’s best quarterbacks, and the Wildcats (21-22) and Bulldogs (23-25) rank 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the SEC in red zone offense.
KENTUCKY WILDCATS CLOSER LOOK
Top offensive player: Patrick Towles, Jr., QB — Mullen praised Towles in his press conference on Monday for being the total package under center for the Wildcats. He knows the Bulldogs defense is going to have to bring its A-game to stop the junior passer that has a strong arm and the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Towles has already thrown for more than 1,500 yards this season and has 8 touchdowns through the air. He’s also rushed for 3 touchdowns. But Towles’ 7 interceptions suggest that Mississippi State could force him into some turnovers.
Top defensive player: Josh Forrest, Sr., LB — Forrest came into the season as Kentucky’s best player, and he is proving why. He leads the Wildcats in tackles so far this year with 58, which is 20 more than the next-closest Kentucky defender. Besides being a sound tackler, Forrest is also a tremendous playmaker. He has accounted for 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception already this year. Forrest has also broken up or deflected 11 passes this season.
Top special teams player: Austin MacGinnis, R-S0., K — MacGinnis is Kentucky’s leading scorer and has been extremely accurate kicking the ball for the Wildcats so far this season. The redshirt sophomore has connected on 8 of his 9 field goal attempts and is 13-for-14 on extra points this year. His strong leg also helps Kentucky with field position throughout games. MacGinnis has 8 touchbacks on kickoffs this season.
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
