Who is Mississippi State’s X-factor this Saturday?

Mississippi State’s secondary has been a question mark all season, plain and simple. Having said that, one member of the crew must be at the top of his game on Saturday. Defensive back Jonathan Abram has upped his game as of late and is likely to carry more of the load against the Bulldogs from Louisiana.

Abram, a senior and Mississippi native is a student of the game and has been in plenty of situations in which his number has been called. He stands at six-feet tall and can be a matchup problem for any receiver. Though he may not jump off the screen and put up mind blowing stats, he is capable of showing up and showing out when he chooses.

In Mississippi State’s loss to LSU, Abram posted 10 total tackles and a sack. Look for him to use his speed, especially having to cover Louisiana Tech’s blazing fast receiving corps. On the season, Abram has 62 tackles and those numbers are likely to increase.

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Under the stewardship of head coach Joe Moorhead, Mississippi State’s season has been full of ups and downs. With a chance to put up tremendous numbers, Abram’s skillset should be on full display. Experience combined with skill is rare, but Abram has it, as both are not to be overlooked.

However, the key to winning for a secondary is to tackle, as Mississippi State has not been able to tackle in the open field. That said, Abram has looked to have addressed that particular issue. If able to stay with Louisiana Tech’s wideouts and tackle in the open field, Abram shall be the x-factor for Mississippi State.

Mississippi State should win this game. The maroon and white is at home and the cowbells are sure to be ringing. Ranked 18th in the nation, look for Mississippi State to justify it, in large part due to the play of Abram.