STARKVILLE — Fred Ross is becoming the playmaker the Mississippi State football team needs.
In the team’s first five games, the junior wide receiver was the Bulldogs’ most consistent threat in the passing game, but he hadn’t found the end zone.
That all changed Saturday, as Ross showed his explosive nature in a 45-17 rout of Troy at Davis Wade Stadium.
“He’s made some big plays, but you can also see he does a great job in the open field with the ball in his hands,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said.
On the second play from scrimmage, Ross caught a Dak Prescott pass behind the line. He ran full steam ahead and avoided defenders and the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown that gave MSU (4-2) a 7-0 lead 36 seconds in.
Ross had two catches for 64 yards to increase his team-high totals to 35 catches and 386 yards. He has done most of his damage in three Southeastern Conference games, making 27 catches for 235 yards.
“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to put my team in the best situation to win,” Ross said.
Last season, Ross had 30 catches for 489 yards and five touchdowns and showed flashes of being a bigger threat. He worked with Prescott almost every day in the summer to get his timing down and build a better rapport with his quarterback.
Ross hopes his fast start will help him catch more passes and find the end zone more often.
“He gives us that balance. We want to have playmakers out there on the field,” Mullen said. “I’m pleased with his development.”
Ross and classmate De’Runnya Wilson arrived at MSU as freshman in 2013. Wilson separated himself from Ross that year and again last year, but teams have decided to double team Wilson this season, which has opened the door for Ross.
Wilson has seen Ross’ explosive nature since the first day of fall camp in 2013.
“I’m not surprised,” Wilson said. “We’ve been working hard ever since we’ve got here. Having a lot of attention on me, opens up Fred Ross a lot. I think it’s his year this year. He worked hard and prepared hard for this.”
Wilson had three catches for 82 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown catch from Nick Fitzgerald.
In addition to his receiving skills, Ross has taken over as MSU’s punt returner after seeing limited action in the role last season (seven returns for 75 yards). Coming into the game, he had seven returns for 40 yards. He also muffed one against Southern Mississippi. But he redeemed himself Saturday with a 77-yard return for a touchdown that gave MSU a 21-0 lead late in the first quarter.
“I’ve been comfortable all year,” Ross said. “I had one bad bounce and I guess it supposedly ruined my confidence, but I never lost confidence in myself. I know what I can do as a football player.”
The Trojans (1-4) seldom punted it Ross’ way again. He finished with three returns for 75 yards.
Ross said it was the first time in his career he has had a receiving touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown in the same game.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
