Tech receiver Demaryius Thomas OK to play

“Bay-Bay” is back.

Wideout Demaryius Thomas, Tech’s top receiving threat and a solid downfield blocker, missed the Virginia Tech loss with a mild concussion.

“It hurt me real bad, hurt me in the heart not to play,” Thomas said.

It hurt the Jackets too.

“Anytime one of the best players on your team is out, you really miss him a lot,” freshman wideout Tyler Melton said. “He’s a big-time football player who just makes plays.”

Thomas got his nickname from an old animated show called “Bebe’s Kids,” which was based on comedian Robin Harris’ routine about babysitting unruly kids.

Thomas’ aunt gave him the nickname and it stuck. The different spelling came later.

“They were some bad kids [on the show], and I was getting into a lot of trouble myself,” Thomas said. “I used to throw paper on the bus and other stuff. All that changed about sixth or seventh grade. I knew I had to if I wanted to do something big.”

The 6-3, 229-pounder out of West Laurens High in Dublin did some big things last season: 35 catches, 558 yards, four TDs. The Sporting News put him on the ACC All-Freshman Team.

While Tech is throwing less this year, Thomas was a key factor in the win at Boston College, catching four balls for 56 yards.

Thomas actually sustained the concussion in the opener against Jacksonville State and played with it against the Eagles.

“I got pulled down by my facemask and hit my head on the ground,” he said. “Right after the play, my head started hurting. It was on and off during the B.C. week.”

Thomas didn’t tell anyone until after the game, when the pain started getting worse.

“It was like migraines on the right side of my head,” he said. “But I’m feeling good right now.”

In his absence, redshirt freshmen R.B. Clyburn and Zach Fisher played at Virginia Tech. Fisher caught two balls for 37 yards, and Melton, a starter, caught two for 31.

Tech attempted just eight passes against the Hokies, though about 15 pass plays were called.

Thomas said the passing game will improve as the season progresses.

“It’s just a new offense and we’re still not clicking,” he said. “But I see it coming.”

GT injuries

Starting middle linebacker Kyle Jackson, who is tied for the team lead with 27 tackles, is questionable with an undisclosed injury but is expected to play Saturday.

Linebacker Brad Jefferson (arm/wrist), guard A.J. Smith (elbow), cornerback Martin Frierson (knee) and wideout Correy Earls (hamstring) are out.

MSU RB out?

Mississippi State junior Anthony Dixon, who ran for 1,066 yards and scored 14 touchdowns last season, has been bothered by a groin injury but is expected to start. Dixon missed most of the second half in last week’s 3-2 loss to Auburn.

If Dixon can’t go, backup Christian Ducre, who had 49 yards on 16 carries against Auburn, and speedy redshirt freshman Robert Elliott would get most of the carries.

Favorable Matchup?

Tech ranks second in the ACC in pass defense, allowing 109 yards per game. The Jackets have intercepted four passes and allowed three touchdowns.

Mississippi State quarterback Wesley Carroll is hitting 51 percent of his throws. He’s thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions while averaging 136 yards per game.