The Missouri Tigers look for their first SEC road win vs a Bulldogs team that hasn’t won a conference game yet. We previewed Mizzou vs Mississippi State with a Q&A.
The Missouri Tigers (7-3, 3-3 SEC) look to finish strong in their final two weeks of the regular season. That involves looking taking care of business in Starkville against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-8, 0-6 SEC) as Mizzou comes in 7.5-point favorites looking for their first SEC road win of the season.
Kick-off on Saturday is set for 3:15 p.m. CST on the SEC Network with Taylor Zarzour (pxp), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), and Alyssa Lang (sideline reporter) on the call.
To get a perspective on the Bulldogs’ program in Year 1 under head coach Jeff Lebby, we talked it over with Andrew Miller over at FanSided’s Maroon and White Nation to preview Saturday’s matchup.
Here’s the Q&A to get you ready.
Sammy Stava: Despite a record of 2-8 and 0-6 in SEC play, Mississippi State has been competitive in some games this year. Even in a tough Year 1, is this program heading in the right direction under head coach Jeff Lebby?
Andrew Miller: That’s the question, for sure. On the one hand, Lebby’s calling-card, his offense, has shown enough this season for fans to feel confident that with some more development, they could be really strong on that side of the ball down the line. On the other, his decision to hire an unproven defensive coordinator has proven to be a poor one. Granted, with the lack of talent on that side of the ball, even an elite play-caller would likely field a poor defense. But I have to imagine with a better hire, they wouldn’t rank 128th in total defense. I think most fans feel that if Lebby were to pair himself with a better defensive staff, there’s a great chance that he is successful. But if no changes are made this offseason, many are going to have doubts.
SS: The season ending injury to quarterback Blake Shapen has certainly changed the complexion of Mississippi State’s season. How different do you think this Bulldogs’ season would be if they had a healthy Shapen?
AM: Honestly, I don’t think much would be different. Shapen is a good player, and he was by no means the reason for their struggles prior to his injury. But frankly, Michael Van Buren’s play wasn’t a significant drop-off from Shapen’s once he took over. That’s actually right around the point the offense began hitting its stride. Now I tend to think the same would’ve happened if Shapen were healthy, but while Shapen wouldn’t have some of the occasional freshman mistakes Van Buren has made, Van Buren’s mobility gives him an edge Shapen didn’t have. Ultimately, I think it’s a wash. And frankly with as bad as the Bulldog defense has been, I don’t think any results are different.
SS: In replace of Shapen, quarterback Michael Van Buren, Jr. has produced a successful freshman season, highlighted by a 3 TD performance at Georgia which earned him SEC Co-Freshman of the Week. Does he have the potential to thrive under Lebby’s offensive system and become an All-SEC quarterback in the near future?
AM: MVB is just about a perfect fit for the Lebby offense. He’s got the arm talent to consistently connect on shots down field, highlighting impressive accuracy on deep balls. He’s got good mobility to add a regular run threat, and he’s got a quick release, which is big for the RPO game. I’ve been impressed with his pocket presence too, which you don’t often see with freshmen. There are a lot of similarities to his game and former-Lebby QB Dillon Gabriel. He did have a rough game in Knoxville, but overall, he’s impressed. I’d say he’s ahead of the curve compared to most freshmen with development, and he’s got all the needed tools. The chance is there for him to be very good.
SS: Besides the quarterback position, who are some other names to watch on this Mississippi State offense. Even though the defense has struggled, who has been a bright spot on the defensive side?
AM: The receiving corps is a strength. They have legit play-makers there. Kevin Coleman is one of the most consistent WRs in the SEC, working out of the slot. He’s a reliable target who can take a quick pass the distance. True freshman WR Mario Craver is incredibly explosive on the outside. He’s gotten behind every defense State has faced. On defense, safety Isaac Smith is probably the lone bright spot. He’s a great box safety and leads the SEC in tackles.
SS: Missouri comes in as a 7.5-point favorite over Mississippi State. How do you see this game going on Saturday? Have a final score prediction?
AM: I’ll be interested to see Mizzou’s motivation in this one now that they’re out of the playoff race, and I do expect a good fight from the Bulldogs. However, I think the Tigers will be able to cover that spread. State’s offense will make some plays, but they’re going to have a hard time containing Johnny Walker, Jr. enough to have a huge day (pass protection has been an issue all year). And I just don’t trust the Bulldog defense much at all. There’s literally nothing they do well (that’s not an exaggeration), and Mizzou has too many play-makers to deal with. Tigers win 38-27.
A big thanks to Andrew for answering some questions for our site today. Follow him and Maroon and White Nation on X for Mississippi State coverage leading up to Saturday’s game.