Who should Mississippi State fear most on the schedule?

While Mississippi State football is in for the long haul as it pertains to this years schedule, one particular game outside of conference play stands alone and should not be overlooked. Following their season opener under the Stark Vegas lights, the Bulldogs travel to Manhattan, KS to face the Kansas State Wildcats, aka K-State, a team that has played spoiler year after year after year. Coached by a college football legend in Bill Snyder, the Wildcats are always a threat, as Mississippi State must be in full force once in Manhattan.

But there is one K-State phenom to focus on and his name is Alex Delton. Delton is a show and a half with every tool necessary in his arsenal. Likely to win the starting job at quarterback, his 2017 was one to never be forgotten. Capped off by winning the offensive MVP in last year’s Cactus Bowl win over UCLA, Delton rushed for 158 touchdowns and three touchdowns.

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Comparable to Mississippi State’s Nick Fitzgerald, Delton is a dual threat and/or swiss-army knife. His stat line was off the charts for only playing seven games, as his 637 yards in the air and 500 on the ground were mind blowing, having ignited a spark in Manhattan. Delton added three passing touchdowns and found the end zone eight times as a runner. He will test the Bulldogs’ defense, as any offensive threat in the Big 12 is dangerous.

Almost identical to Mississippi State’s 9-4 record, the Wildcats finished the season at 8-5. A monumental win over Iowa State at home in a rocking Bill Snyder Family Stadium. And in case fans did not know, K-State is known to be one of the game’s toughest environments with a wild student section. With a more than loyal fanbase as such, any opponent should take note, as the Bulldogs will face a tough and intimidating task.

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Having said that, the Wildcats are also more than capable of spoiling one’s season on the road. They are scared of nobody and will make the most of any opportunity. Wins at Texas Tech and Oklahoma State reminded the college football world that K-State is indeed what they’ve been since their inception, a spoiler who can go toe to toe with anyone and everyone.

Delton will make the most of every minute on the field, as his name is sure to be mentioned as one of the Wildcats’ primary faces this coming season. He, Snyder, and the K-State crew will put up a fight and make a statement. While it may not be a championship statement, the Wildcats will show out in any bowl.

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Coach Moorhead and the Bulldogs will have to give it everything, but are more than capable of taking down K-State in Manhattan. The key is how formidable Mississippi State can be on the defensive side of the ball when faced with the challenge of keeping a threat like Delton in check. Versatile linebackers such as Erroll Thompson, gifted with ability to read the quarterback’s eyes along with speed and agility will need to step up. Look for him and Delton to be in a “Dawgfight” all game long.

Similar in a plethora of ways, Kansas State and Mississippi State may just be one of the year’s best duals. In addition, Fitzgerald’s identical skillset to Delton’s is something to look out for. Bulldogs’ and Wildcats’ fans should be more than excited.

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Like K-State, Mississippi State also excels at playing spoiler. Remember the LSU game? Nothing else needs to be said. It is absolutely amazing as to how identical these two are. Make no mistake that the Bulldogs are taking this seriously, as the Wildcats will be in full force from the start of the season onward.

Whether it be Delton, coach Snyder, or anyone donning purple and silver, K-State is no nonsense and are there to win, but win in their own unique way, having become a college football tradition, making the Wildcats a one of a kind franchise. And look out for Delton, maybe the word Heisman can end up next to his name. Bottomline, K-State is one to never be overlooked, as the Bulldogs must be on full alert.