The Bulldogs return six starters on offense and four on defense from a team that finished 7-5 overall and 3-5 in the SEC in 2016. This year they are 6-2 and 3-2 in the SEC and are being mentioned for a major bowl. There are a couple of reasons for Mississippi State's surge this year.
One is the Bulldog defense. In 2016 State was #93 in scoring defense and #110 in total defense. This year they are #11 in scoring defense. The Bulldogs are #23 in rushing defense and #1 in first downs allowed. The UMass offensive line has played better recently, but Mississippi State will be our biggest challenge yet. The Minutemen's best thing is our passing offense, but State is #4 in passing yards allowed. Comis will have to keep the UMass offense moving with his legs (and not get killed doing so).
The other aspect of the Bulldogs renaissance is QB Nick Fitzgerald. At 6-5, 230 he takes dual-threat quarterbacking to a new level. Fitzgerald leads the Bulldogs in both rushing and passing. He averages 6.7 yards/carry and has scored 10 rushing TD's. In passing, he's gone 119-209-1320 56.9% 13 TD's 122.9 EFF, He has thrown 8 INT's. He averages 248 yards/game all by himself. The UMass defense will have to try to contain his running somewhat and play good pass defense. Make state work for their scores and not allow any easy big plays.
Mississippi State will be the best team UMass plays in 2017. I know the Minutemen will play hard and won't quit. UMass will need to generate some offense and get some turnovers to make the score respectable.
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Kevin Dillon of MassLive says UMass will face its toughest test on the road Saturday.
Matty Vautour reports Mississippi State will be the Minutemen's biggest challenge yet.
Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" previews the Mississippi State game.
For Whom the cowbell tolls previews the UMass game with Underdog Dynasty.
State will have a new uniform combination for the Minutemen game.
In and Around SEC Football picks Mississippi State 48 UMass 13.
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