Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-1, 0-0) are not the worst team in the state of Mississippi and may not be the worst team in the SEC West (as was opined last week). The first point cannot be argued, following the Bulldogs’ 51-7 thumping of in-state foe Alcorn State (1-1). The distinction of lowliest team in the West division, however, is now in limbo. With a narrow escape against Samford (1-1), the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-0, 0-0) are now making a strong case for the title.
Helping the Razorbacks’ case was the fact Mississippi State led 21-0 by early in the second quarter and 37-0 by halftime in Week 2. It was the most points in the first half for the program since 1996. Dak Prescott threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start, replacing Tyler Russell, who was out following an injury in the first game.
No one was surprised by the result of the game, as the Bulldogs are obviously much more talented than the Braves. But the steady stream of offense was still encouraging after an ugly 21-3 loss to Oklahoma State in Week 1.
Still, the lopsided win doesn’t do enough to remove the Bulldogs from contention for the bottom spot in the SEC West. The result of this week’s game could shed further light on the situation, as Mississippi State travels to Auburn (2-0, 0-0) to open the conference slate against the seemingly much-improved Tigers.
What to look for in Week 3: Can the Bulldogs score on the road in the SEC? Auburn’s offense appears to be gelling, and its defense has stiffened when it counts, going six-straight quarters since yielding a TD. How well will State be able to move the ball?
Scott Page is a college football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
