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STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football made No. 1 Texas battle for its win last weekend.
MSU (1-4, 0-2 SEC) lost 35-13 but trailed by just eight points before the final play of the third quarter. That was closer than a lot of folks expected, given the circumstances. And the heat picks right back up for MSU’s next game, on Oct. 12 at No. 5 Georgia (3:15 p.m. CT, SEC Network).
Sandwiched in between is an open week. The team practiced Tuesday, will again Wednesday, and then lift and meet on Thursday. It’s a chance to recover, prepare early for Georgia (3-1, 1-1), and also hit the reset button for a team on a four-game losing skid.
“Being fresh and being fast next Saturday in Athens is going to be absolutely critical,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby said Tuesday.
Mississippi State has areas to improve
There were plenty of encouraging signs from the loss to Texas, starting with quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.’s poise and the running backs having a strong performance in consecutive games. The defense generated pressure up front, forced two turnovers and stopped the Longhorns on a fourth down.
But Mississippi State also committed nine penalties. It wore down late, with the offense allowing three sacks in the fourth quarter, when Texas also rushed for 109 yards on 12 carries.
“The really aggravating part is it’s stuff that we’re coached on,” center Ethan Miner said. “It’s not guys just getting overpowered or out-talented. It’s really just locking in on our technique when the pressure kicks in and when you’re tired.”
Miner, who previously played at Arkansas State and North Texas, said he has been most encouraged that the team’s mental fortitude is still strong.
“I’ve been on two teams that went 2-10 and 9-3, and I’ve seen guys give up,” he said. “And I’ve been there myself. You’re…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-football-jeff-lebby-203758621.html
Author : The Clarion Ledger
Publish date : 2024-10-01 20:37:58
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