STARKVILLE — Junior quarterback Dak Prescott and junior middle linebacker Benardrick McKinney have been two key reasons why the No. 1 Mississippi State football team remains undefeated.
On Monday, the duo received more national accolades.
Prescott was named a national semifinalist for the 78th-annual Maxwell Award, while McKinney was named a semifinalist for the 20th-annual Chuck Bednarik Award.
Prescott, also a Heisman Trophy candidate, was one of 20 named to the list for an award that is given annually to the player of the year. He is the first Dan Mullen-coached quarterback since 2008 winner Tim Tebow to be named a semifinalist. Prescott made the cut after tallying 27 touchdowns in his first eight games (16 passing, 10 rushing, one receiving).
McKinney, also a candidate for the 2014 Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award, was one of 20 men named to the list for an award that is given annually to the most outstanding defensive player. He is the first Bulldog to be named a semifinalist for the award since current Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Johnthan Banks in 2012.
Leading the team with 50 tackles, the midseason All-American is tied for third in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fumble recoveries (three), while tallying six tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. McKinney also is a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the best linebacker in the country.
The winners of the Maxwell Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced Dec. 11 as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN. Three finalists for each award will be announced Nov. 24. A second round of voting will take place at that time.
MSU-Alabama game time on hold
On Monday, the Southeastern Conference announced that the kickoff time for No. 1 MSU’s game against No. 4 Alabama on Nov. 15 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, would be announced next weekend.
CBS will use its second of two six-day windows in order to choose the best game for its 2:30 p.m. slot. It also is considering Auburn-Georgia. The game CBS doesn’t pick for the 2:30 p.m. slot will start at 6 p.m. and also be broadcast by CBS. CBS will announce its decision after this weekend’s games.
Cohen talks injuries
A day after one of MSU’s best baseball teams in program history, the 1985 Bulldogs, were honored at Davis Wade Stadium during the MSU-Arkansas football game, MSU baseball coach John Cohen and his 2015 edition of the MSU baseball team were back at work Sunday. That’s where Cohen, entering his sixth season as MSU’s coach, discussed injuries to his Bulldogs.
Cohen said three Bulldogs are missing time in fall practice due to injuries, starting with sophomore catcher Gavin Collins, who Cohen said is “nursing a sore shoulder. We expect him back any day.”
But the prognosis wasn’t as good for infielder Matthew Britton, who is expected to miss four weeks after having knee surgery. Cohen also said pitcher Ben Hudspeth will be out eight to 12 weeks after he suffered a knee injury pitching.
Follow Dispatch sports editor Brandon Walker on Twitter @BWonStateBeat
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