I’m going to sound like a broken record, but this is a huge game for the Jackets. However, the game against the Bulldogs is big for entirely different reasons than the games versus Boston College and Virginia Tech. The young Jackets watched a victory slip away on the field in Blacksburg last Saturday.
Again, they are going up against a team that they are very capable of beating, but they are going to have to stretch themselves a bit to do it.
Tech has made a good showing through three games, and a 2-1 record is nothing to be ashamed of. However, a win here can bolster their confidence greatly going into a stretch in which they have a bye before facing Duke and Gardner-Webb. A loss against the Bulldogs could stick with them for a while. Young teams are fragile; you never know what two straight losses against middle-of-road teams might do.
To win, the Yellow Jackets are going to have to clear a few things up, fast. Namely their fumbling issues; Tech has fumbled the ball away seven times this season. The opportunistic defense of Miss. State recovered three fumbles against Auburn last week. As you would imagine the fumbling problem, one that dates back to preseason practices, has hurt them in each game. While the Bulldogs’ offense is not lighting up the world, you don’t want to give them any more opportunities than they would normally receive. The Jackets also need to get more production out of their return game.
Quarterback Josh Nesbitt rushed for 151 yards last week, a record for Tech quarterbacks, and looked electrifying at times. They will need more of this with B-back Jonathan Dwyer slowed with a back injury. Look for little Roddy Jones to have an impact in the offensive game as well, both as a runner and receiver.
The game hinges on the play of both defenses. Tech gives up 255.7 yards per game, MSU gives up 254 yards per game. They both are more experienced and more savvy than the offenses that will be across the line from them. However, Dominic Douglas, who has 21 tackles this season for the Bulldogs, is questionable this week with an Achilles injury.
For MSU, it’s a chance to take on another offense trying to get its feet wet. However, Tech is battle-tested after games against Boston College and Virginia Tech. Both games built confidence that you have to believe will carry over into a home game against the Bulldogs, even if it is going to be a slugfest. Look for Tech’s defense to rise up and for their offense to do just enough to get by.
Prediction: Tech – 14, Mississippi State – 10
Crosskey can be reached at jcrosskey@scoreatl.com.
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