STARKVILLE — Despite early indications that the University of Alabama at Birmingham football team is leaning toward announcing a starting quarterback, Mississippi State is preparing to face multiple players at that position when the teams meet at 11 a.m. Saturday (SportSouth).
In his weekly Southeastern Conference teleconference, MSU coach Dan Mullen said the Bulldogs (2-3) are preparing for the unique skills of senior Bryan Ellis and sophomore Jonathan Perry.
Ellis started the first three games this season, but concussion symptoms kept him out of last week’s 24-23 loss at Troy.
Perry made his first college start and was 19 of 39 for 196 yards and an interception.
“(Ellis) is a very, very good passer (and) really accurate (that) can make all throws, gets them in the right plays, a really good decision-maker,” Mullen said. “(Perry) came in last week (and) almost led them to a victory.
Ellis had 465 passing yards and three interceptions in the first three games before suffering a concussion late in a 28-23 loss to East Carolina on Sept. 24. Last season, he had 236 passing yards and two total touchdowns in MSU’s 29-24 victory.
“They’re a talented team that I’m sure believes they’re going to beat us because of what happened last year and because of all the senior leadership they have on their squad,” Mullen said.
Perry sparked the Blazers (0-4) last weekend with his arm and with his legs. The Baltimore native had a rushing touchdown against Troy and changes the game plan for MSU’s pass rush.
“He’s more of an athlete, can make more plays,” Mullen said. “When a play breaks down, he can do more things with his feet and created on his own.”
UAB coach Neil Callaway said this week Perry struggled when throwing the ball down the field. The Blazers were 1-for-8 in third-down situations.
“As the game progressed, I kept feeling more comfortable, but, at the same time, I feel I could have played better, made some better throws and better reads,” Perry said Monday.
Mullen leaving door still open for players playing both ways
Mullen said Wednesday there’s still a possibility to see dual-threat players get the ball on offense.
In preseason camp, junior cornerback Johnthan Banks joked he was ready to try offense this season and play a role similar to the one he had as a three-star athlete from East Webster High School. Banks has been used primarily as a starter at cornerback and on punt returns.
“We’ll always look at that as an option,” Mullen said. “The key is are you able to master your first position, and then once you have that down it’s about what you can do to provide that is new at this second position.”
Last week in a 24-10 loss at the University of Georgia, Mullen implemented the Wildcat formation with redshirt freshman Jameon Lewis. The Bulldogs gained 3 yards on the play in the first drive of the second half.
“I like (Jameon) anywhere as long as he’s touching the ball,” MSU junior wide receiver Chad Bumphis said. “It’s hard to tackle him, and I think people should see what he’s capable of.”
Mississippi athletic directors lowest paid in SEC
The Southeastern Conference schools in the state of Mississippi schools have the league’s two lowest paid athletics directors.
According to a USA Today report generated by numbers submitted by Division I institutions, MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin has the lowest salary of any ADs in the SEC by more than $120,000. Stricklin’s salary of $300,000 is more than eight times less than the highest in the conference (Vanderbilt’s David Williams’ salary of $2.56 million).
Ole Miss Director of Athletics Pete Boone’s salary is 11th in the league at nearly $430,000.
Stricklin’s annual salary is less than 10 athletics directors from
schools not in the Bowl Championship Series and five from Conference USA.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.