STARKVILLE — As the clock struck zero at the conclusion of Mississippi State’s 45-7 win over Abilene Christian, reality set in.
There was the reality of unrealized potential in that MSU’s nine-year bowl streak stands to move to 10 and grant the Bulldogs a shot at seven wins should they defeat in-state rival Ole Miss Thursday despite an up-and-down campaign.
There was the reality of junior running back Kylin Hill continuing to torch defenses as he still leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing following a 16-carry, 153-yard performance.
And then there was the reality that the most important week of the year in the state of Mississippi has arrived — it’s officially Egg Bowl week.
“I lied — I looked at them this week,” Moorhead conceded in reference to saying he wasn’t focusing on Ole Miss until the conclusion of the Abilene Christian game.
While Moorhead began his preparation last week, so too did the visiting Rebels. With a bye week in hand following a loss to No. 1 LSU Nov. 16, Ole Miss was off Saturday as MSU slogged through its middling performance against Abilene Christian.
“I don’t make the schedules and I’m not involved in that decision making process,” Moorhead said. “So they have the luxury of having a bye week and a bunch of days to get ready and we’re coming off a short week so it is what it is.”
But more pressing, as the Rebels sat in the comfort of their own homes, the Bulldogs’ injuries continued to pile up. Junior linebacker Erroll Thompson didn’t return after being banged up midway through the first quarter. Senior left tackle Tyre Phillips was helped off in the second quarter, returned for a handful of series, and then departed once more.
Senior defensive Marquiss Spencer and junior receiver Osirus Mitchell were also tended to at varying times Saturday, while junior cornerback Cameron Dantzler didn’t even suit up for the game due to injury.
“We’re not going to complain, not going to make excuses,” Moorhead said. “We’re going to go in tomorrow, watch this tape real early in the morning, grade it and then we’ll move on and start on our game plan.”
With Egg Bowl preparation underway it marks the beginning of a week and rivalry game that is far from familiar for a number of the Bulldog starters — most notably, quarterback Tommy Stevens.
Stevens — who came to MSU following four years at Penn State — said Saturday he was always aware of the rivalry growing up in Indianapolis, but that it takes on an unparalleled meaning for his teammates who bear roots in the Magnolia State.
“The people that live in the state of Mississippi obviously know how important the game is,” he said. “It’s the message — it’s different to the people in Mississippi. It’s obviously a really, really big deal and I’ve accepted that message and really taken it as if I was from Mississippi because I know that it means everything for my teammates and at the end of the day we just want to win the game.”
And though Stevens may not have grown up in the heart of Egg Bowl country, he’ll find himself squarely in the middle of this season’s edition. Having battled a string of injuries and inconsistent play, he’s failed to find a true footing in Starkville this year. Yet the Bulldogs’ hopes of a postseason berth fall squarely on Stevens’ shoulder, or more accurately, his right arm come Thanksgiving Day.
“It starts with me,” he said of the offense. “Some throws that I could’ve put in better places for guys to make plays on, and ultimately I’ve got to give our guys a chance to make a play.”
As a gaggle of media members headed back to the press box following Moorhead’s postgame comments, the MSU head coach whizzed down Barr Ave. with the luminescent glow of police lights guiding him off campus.
Departing the shadows of Davis Wade Stadium for a “quick nap” before heading back to the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex, reality continued to set in. The most important week of the season has arrived.
“We’re going to have to hit the ground running Monday,” Moorhead said. “I know I’m excited, I know the staff is excited, I know the fans are excited and I know our players are excited.”
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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