Mississippi State takes on Northern Illinois in its final nonconference regular-season game on Saturday. Here’s a look at who has the edge at each position.
Quarterback
No surprise here, it’s Blake Shapen.
The leader under center for MSU has been solid through three outings, totaling 724 yards and six touchdowns. He has two picks to his name on bad throws under pressure, and has taken a couple of bad sacks, but otherwise has shown his experience with safe and accurate decision-making.
The Huskies are led by quarterback Josh Holst, who has 192 yards through two games as a starter this season. While he has a decent completion percentage at 65%, he also hasn’t scored a touchdown through the air or on the ground yet as a first-time starter.
Edge: Mississippi State
Running back
The Bulldogs have found their primary backfield duo in Fluff Bothwell and Davon Booth, combining for nearly 300 yards through three games. They haven’t had a 100-yard rusher yet this season, but the reliance on the passing game to push the needle plays a part in that.
The Huskies however have leaned heavily on the run game, with backs Chavon Wright and Telly Johnson Jr. both over 30 carries through two games. Wright leads the team with 171 yards and Johnson is close behind on 158.
Edge: Even
Wide receiver/tight end
The Bulldogs are a more balanced team than they were with Mike Leach’s air raid, but many of the principles remain, and the receivers play a huge role in the team’s success. Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans have both emerged as well-rounded talents despite their reputations as deep threats and have been very dangerous with the ball in their hands.
The Huskies have not had a lot of success through the air yet, averaging just 96 yards per game. They’ve scored two touchdowns this season, and both came on the ground. Their leading receiver, DeAree Rogers, has just 89 yards.
Edge: Mississippi State
Offensive line
MSU has a couple of holes on the offensive line with a season-ending injury to Blake Steen and a minor injury to Albert Reese that kept him out of action last Saturday. Lebby said on Monday that he’s hopeful Reese can practice and get game-ready by the weekend, but the line can hold together without him if need be.
On the other sideline, the Huskies have an experienced unit that helps establish the run for the backs. Aidan Tweedy and Evan Malcore had standout performances as protectors as well as run blockers against Maryland, and will likely give the Bulldogs a fight in the trenches.
It’s a close one, but it still goes to the Bulldogs.
Edge: Mississippi State
Defensive line
MSU is banged up on the defensive line and has a real test to replace Will Whitson’s production this week. Deonte Anderson has the only other sack on the team this year, and the unit failed to bring down the QB once against Alcorn State. That has to change this week to inspire some more confidence in the unit.
The Huskies on the other hand allow just 74 yards on the ground per game, and even in a 20-9 loss to Maryland, their front seven on defense made it more of a game than it could have been. They also struggle getting to the passer, but take a slight edge here with the production and experience in the middle.
Edge: Northern Illinois
Linebackers
This is arguably the greatest strength of both teams. For the Bulldogs, transfers Jalen Smith and Malick Sylla have fit in well alongside Nic Mitchell and Issac Smith. For NIU, Quinn Urwiler and Filip Maciorowski help boost an already fearsome run defense. It’s hard to separate for now, but MSU has more depth at the position.
Edge: Mississippi State
Secondary
The Bulldogs have strength in experience and depth at safety, and their corners Kelley Jones and DeAgo Brumfield have stood out in coverage so far. Jones currently boasts the lowest catch rate allowed in FBS.
The Huskies will have their hands full in Starkville dealing with MSU’s receivers, but aren’t to be overlooked. They have four seniors in the unit and several juniors with playing experience as well.
Edge: Mississippi State
Special teams
Kyle Ferrie set a new program record with a 55-yard field goal against Southern Miss, and while he hasn’t been tested from range again, he has been a perfect 3-3 on field goals and 14-14 on extra points.
NIU kicker Andrew Glass has missed a field goal and an extra point this season.
Edge: Mississippi State
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