Here are some halftime thoughts and observations from Davis Wade Stadium as the Mississippi State football team leads Western Michigan
STARKVILLE — Looking to end its three-game losing streak, the Mississippi State football team took a 17-7 lead into halftime against Western Michigan in Saturday’s Week 6 game at Davis Wade Stadium.
The Bulldogs had numerous key contributors out for Saturday’s non-conference game against the Broncos with next week’s bye week on deck.
Here are some halftime thoughts and observations as Mississippi State looks to cruise to its third win this against the Bronco.
Offense and Defense doing what it is supposed to
Outside of Western Michigan’s final drive of the first half, where it found the end zone to cut into Mississippi State’s 17-point lead, this is what you expected to see from the Bulldogs against an inferior opponent. The Bulldogs’ defense was stout for 25-plus minutes, the offense moved the ball with relative ease, scoring on its first two possessions of the game.
Mississippi State had a distinct advantage in the trenches. Jaden Crumedy and Nathan Pickering were very active early, combining for three tackles and a pass breakup. Nathaniel Watson also added two first-half sacks and Deonte Anderson also knocked down a pass for the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State’s offensive line was just as dominant. The Bulldogs ran for 62 yards on 14 carries in the first half. The receivers got open early and often, including Jordan Mosley, who scored his first career touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Will Rogers finished a very efficient first half, going 10-of-12 for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike Wright Drive (™ Pending)
It took six plays, but Mississippi State finally let Mike Wright run the line of scrimmage and should have scored. Wright’s 11-play drive stalled just outside the Western Michigan red zone when Jaden Walley threw a third-and-long (the pass was probably tipped, but still hit Walley’s hands). Kyle Ferrie, who opened the game with a 29-yard field goal, missed wide right on his 46-yard attempt. Wright carried the ball five times on one pass and three for two yards (one pass was a touchdown to Creed Whittemore). He also missed Zavio Thomas on layoff.
As he has all year, Wright ran the ball most efficiently, adding 16 yards per possession. But it’s clear why Mississippi State’s offense has let him air the ball this season.
Some of the new (and old) guys get the look:
We haven’t seen much of Whittemore since that season-opening win over Southeast Louisiana. He finished the first half with three catches for 15 yards and a touchdown, leading the Bulldogs to a 17–0 lead at the end of the first half. The same goes for Walley, who scored in Week 1 and hasn’t done much since. Walley finished the half with one 15-yard catch.
Eastern Washington transfer receiver Freddie Roberson led the team with three catches for 25 yards, while Justin Robinson was out for the second straight game and Tulu Griffin dressed but did not play in the first half. Nick Lauderdale looked strained for a while as Ryland Goede left for Saturday’s game. Simeon Price 11 yards on one carry with Jeffery Pittman, who also missed Saturday’s game
Some of the new (and old) guys get the look:
We haven’t seen much of Whittemore since that season-opening win over Southeast Louisiana. He finished the first half with three catches for 15 yards and a touchdown, leading the Bulldogs to a 17–0 lead at the end of the first half. The same goes for Walley, who scored in Week 1 and hasn’t done much since. Walley finished the half with one 15-yard catch. Eastern Washington transfer receiver Freddie Roberson led the team with three catches for 25 yards, while Justin Robinson was out for the second straight game and Tulu Griffin dressed but did not play in the first half.
Nick Lauderdale looked strained for a while as Ryland Goede left for Saturday’s game. Simeon Price 11 yards on one carry with Jeffery Pittman, who also missed Saturday’s game
