And just like that, we're gearing up for Southeastern Conference games. Mississippi State takes on Auburn this Saturday at 11:21 a.m. Now, links.
NEMS360.com - Room for improvement seen by Bulldogs’ LBs
Yes, the Bulldogs gutted the Tigers, but Memphis exposed a few holes in our defense, too.
"We probably did an OK job," junior middle linebacker Brandon Wilson on Monday. "There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement. Our goal now is to continue to improve each and every week, especially for Auburn this Saturday."
The Bulldogs gave up 164 rushing yards to Memphis – 45 yards above last season’s average. The linebackers at times looked unsure of themselves and didn’t deliver many big hits.
NEMS360.com - Mullen Presser On Auburn Winning in the West, Lewis
On Auburn still being awesome: "We have a real tough opponent, a team that has the longest win streak in the nation (16 games). I think everybody saw last week they know how to win games. No matter what the situation is, they find a way to win, and obviously any time you go on the road in the SEC it's going to be a tough challenge."
WR Jameon Lewis is thrilling - but scary | The Clarion-Ledger | clarionledger.com
And while MSU fans were celebrating his explosive TDs, they - and coach Dan Mullen - were also fretting about his dangerous decisions.
"I see his role decreasing unless he improves in practice in taking care of the football (on special teams) and doing things the right way," Mullen cautioned Monday. "There's a lot more to the game than catching the pass and breaking a couple of tackles and running to score. You're not going to get away with that stuff in SEC play."
Bulldogs receive ample rest prior to big game | Starkville Daily News
Following a 59-14 blowout win over the Tigers from just across the Tennessee state line and playing two days earlier than most of the NCAA was considered a good thing by MSU head coach Dan Mullen.
"I think playing Thursday night has allowed us to hopefully get some rest especially with a day off school (Monday)," said Mullen. "It allows us to get some extra work done, and gave our guys a chance to get away longer which is a big advantage."
Even though they dominated Memphis, Mullen isn't going to take it easy on his players.
"It's great winning a game and having a lot of teaching moments because you get after them a little harder after a win," said Mullen. "Because when you yell and scream at them after a win, they're still thinking in the back of their mind, 'we still won the game. If we can win the game making mistakes and we improve those mistakes, look how much better we can get,' and I'm very excited about that."
MSU's Ballard receives honor for huge outing | Starkville Daily News
Kudos to Vick Ballard on earning the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
"I felt honored and it's nice, but I'm looking forward to next week because we still got 11 more games to go," said Ballard."
Ballard will have some momentum going into week two as he carried the ball only 10 times in the Bulldogs 59-14 season opening win, but compiled a career-high 166 yards which is a 16.6 yards per carry average. Even more impressive is he scored three touchdowns in those 10 carries.