Sunday, September 2, 2012

After blasting Jackson State, Mississippi State ready for SEC opener

STARKVILLE — Now, the fun starts. Mississippi State obliterated Jackson State 56-9 Saturday to open coach Dan Mullen's fourth season - a tune-up game for the Bulldogs, who now turn their attention to a big showdown against Auburn next Saturday.

"Next week is the real deal," MSU running back LaDarius Perkins said.

The Bulldogs showed off their speed with Tyler Russell as the centerpiece in his first game as the full-time starter at quarterback.

State attacked the edges with screen passes, and plowed the road with the run game in front of an announced sellout crowd of 55,082 at Davis Wade Stadium. It was a typical game featuring the hallmarks of Mullen's spread offense.

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Loss is a building block for Jackson State

STARKVILLE — One game does not make a season, and Jackson State senior quarterback Dedric McDonald couldn't be happier about that.

McDonald's final line in Saturday's 56-9 blowout loss at Mississippi State was not great: 14-of-27, 136 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

"A C-minus or a D," McDonald said when asked what grade he would give himself. "Just because of the interceptions. I feel like there's some things I could have done to move the ball."


Still, this season won't be measured against how JSU fared in its opener inside an SEC venue. It will be judged on how the Tigers fare once they enter SWAC play Sept. 15 at Texas Southern.

JSU coach Rick Comegy said McDonald's debut, as rocky as it might have been, doesn't change the way he views the senior. He's still the starter.

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