Mississippi State – LaTech Preview
Louisiana Tech is one of those teams. The homecoming team that lets you win a game in front of all the alumni and feel good about yourself. For Mississippi State, they are a game you expect to win. They are also a team that can sneak up on you.
So what can State expect coming into this game? Here is the rundown on the LaTech Bulldogs. Their workhorse running back, Patrick Jackson, rushed for 940 yards last year. Their QB is going to be transfer Taylor Bennett. Bennett played for Georgia Tech last year, starting all 13 games for them and passing for over 2,100 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tech doesn’t seem to have many top-notch receivers for Bennett to throw to, so I think they will mostly be running the ball with Jackson.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tech were 111th in the nation in passing defense last year, which may give Mississippi State a chance to air the ball out some. Tech has a good linebacker in senior Quin Harris who is coming off a monster season making 102 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 broken up passes and an interception. Also watch out for the return of Brannon Jackson to the Tech secondary.
One the Mississippi State side, Wes Carroll seems to have improved through summer practice and already has a winning season and bowl game victory under his belt. Anthony Dixon should be ready to run all over the field and build on his 1000+ yard season from last year.
The State D is loaded with returning starters, including Derek Pegues and Jamar Chaney. There is a new coordinator in the booth, but don’t expect Charlie Harbison to stray to far from what has made the Bulldog D great. They need to improve their pass rush, but I don’t see the LaTech offense being much of an issue for them.
This game plus the home opener against Southeast Louisiana will give both sides of the ball a great chance to shake off the cobwebs before facing SEC West foe Auburn at home.
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