STARKVILLE — The installation of the spread offense is complete at Mississippi State.
Now, the cleaning process begins.
MSU football coach Dan Mullen said the first two weeks of preseason practices, including last week”s two-a-days, were primarily used to review the offense for the veterans and introduce it to the freshmen.
Mullen said the teaching part became more advanced Tuesday night, and instead of adding new things, there”s “more polishing going on.”
The Bulldogs may have taken Sunday and Monday off from practice due to the start of classes, but Mullen said the coaching staff was busy studying the playbook. Mullen said the coaches determined what plays should be called and who should run them.
After having two days off from the practice field, Mullen hopes the team is ready.
“Hopefully, everyone will look a little bit faster than we were wrapping up Saturday,” Mullen said. “I want to see us come out and get a little better than we were the day before.
“Even though school has started, I consider us being in training camp for another two weeks.”
Freshman wide receiver Chad Bumphis will miss the next two weeks of practice with a sprained foot.
Mullen said offensive lineman Tobias Smith, of Columbus, offensive lineman Michael Bufkin, and defensive back Emmanuel Gatling will be held out of practice.
Offensive lineman Derek Sherrod, of Caledonia, and safety Zack Smith were expected back on a limited basis.
MSU has scheduled night practices this week, beginning at 8 p.m., in case it gets one of the ESPN late game slots.
“We could get one of those at any given time,” Mullen said. “It gives us the opportunity to get used to playing at that time. It gives our guys a chance to come out and practice in the evenings when there is no sun.”
The Bulldogs are scheduled to practice in helmets and shoulder pads Friday in preparation for the squad”s second scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday.
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