What to expect from Mississippi State

Miss. State Head Coach Dan Mullen


• Mississippi State enters Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday with a 4-0 record, including a
Southeastern Conference win over Auburn. The Bulldogs are the third-straight undefeated and ranked
for the Wildcats.

• Mississippi State has had a very balanced effort both offensively and defensively this season, ranking
top 50 nationally in most categories on both sides. Defensively, MSU has held opponents to 10 points
or less in three of four games. The Bulldogs rank 13th nationally in scoring defense, 15th in pass efficiency
defense, 40th in total defense and 48th in pass defense. One of the strongest parts of the defense
has been the ability to create turnovers as the Bulldogs lead the nation in turnover margin, averaging
3.25 turnovers a game. MSU has nine interceptions and six recovered fumbles in four games.

• Individually on defense, Cameron Lawrence leads the Bulldogs with 28 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss
and one sack. Darius Slay has been a terror for offenses in the secondary with four interceptions and
one pass breakup, while Denico Autry has three tackles-for-loss.

• Offensively, the MSU offensive line has been solid this season, allowing only half a sack a game to
rank fifth nationally. The Bulldogs rank 35th nationally in scoring offense, 46th in rushing offense and
78th in passing offense. Quarterback Tyler Russell leads the team offensively completing more than 55
percent of his passes for 822 yards and eight touchdowns. LaDarius Perkins leads the team in rushing
with 389 yards and five touchdowns on 57 carries, while wide receiver Chad Bumphis has 12 catches
for 271 yards and five touchdowns.