In this week’s installment of the ‘Know Thy Enemy’ Q&A, I reached out to a Mississippi State legend. You may have seen him on Paul Finebaum’s SEC Network Show or on Comedy Central. This week’s guest is none other than Stingray!
1. How do you see the matchup between Nick Fitzgerald and the Bulldogs run game vs the Arkansas run defense?
I think we will have no problem running the ball against Arkansas because if you look at statistics, Arkansas is ranked 12th in the SEC in rush defense giving up 6.34 yards per carry and Mississippi State is 4-1 this season when we rush for 250+. However, we are 0-5 when teams hold us under 250. The only loss we had when rushing for 250+ was Kentucky.
2. How confident are you in the ability of Mississippi State to be able to stop Austin Allen and the Arkansas offense?
I’m confident in our ability to stop the Arkansas running game because we did an ok job against Alabama outside of Hurts. The concern I have is Keon Hatcher, Cody Hollister, Drew Morgan and guys like that getting going because outside of the A&M game our pass defense has been horrible.
3. It seems like yesterday Dak was leading Hail state to a number 1 ranking. How much faith do you feel the fan base has that they will bounce back from this down year to find success again?
I think coach Mullen is a great coach and has done great things a Mississippi State but I think it’s time to make some changes, not necessarily a head coaching change but if you look at where we have been hurt the most it’s at OL play. We can’t move anyone off the ball and we can’t protect our QB. Our Offensive line coach only recruits 2 and 3-star guys and when you go up against 5-star guys like Alabama and LSU, you have no chance of keeping your quarterback clean. I think that’s really where we need to start.
4. Bret Bielema has yet to beat Dan Mullen while in the SEC. Do you think Bulldog fans take pride in that especially given what Bret has consistently done to Ole Miss?
Oh, absolutely we take pride in it, especially this year because we had coming into the year a 2 game win streak on Auburn which is gone, a 7 game win streak against Kentucky which is now gone so basically all we have now is 4 in a row against Arkansas.
Must Read: Moses Kingsley Added to Wooden Award List
5. Your outcome prediction?
I’m going to say 38-17 Mississippi State!
Hail State guys and good luck Saturday and if you are coming down for the game, bring the winter clothes because the low Saturday night is 34!