What Tech fans need to know about Mississippi State
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Record: 2-2 (1-2 SEC). Unranked.
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Who will rush for more yards on Saturday?
• Last week: Lost to LSU 30-26 in Starkville.
• Last time played Tech: MSU lost 38-7 in 2008 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
• MSU on offense: Coach Dan Mullen has brought his version of the option to Starkville from Florida, where he was the offensive coordinator the past four seasons. The Bulldogs are led by running back Anthony Dixon, who averages 107 yards a game. Mullen has been using two quarterbacks, senior Tyson Lee and sophomore Chris Reif. Reif seems to be the star in the making, even though he's averaging less than 100 total yards a game.
• MSU on defense: The Bulldogs have long been known for solid defense. They are still sound, but perhaps not as solid as in the past. MSU is giving up 128 rushing yards a game but only 172 passing. What it does well, however, is create turnovers. Opponents have 14 fumbles (lost four), and three interceptions.
• MSU on special teams: The Bulldog punt unit ranks third-best in the SEC (40.2 net yards per punt) but the kickoff unit yielded a long kickoff return for a touchdown last week.
• What you need to know: This isn't the same team that the Jackets hammered last season. MSU can actually move the ball this season, something it couldn't do last year.
• What you may not know: Author John Grisham, whose books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide, is an alum of MSU. He graduated with a BS in Accounting in 1977.
• More on the web: Mississippi State athletics
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