This is one of the weekend’s most fascinating SEC measuring-stick games.
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Mississippi State exploded out of the gate with a 62-13 victory over ULM. Sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, displaying both the arm talent and mobility that could make him one of the SEC’s breakout players.
Now comes a completely different challenge: Minnesota in Minneapolis.
The Golden Gophers will attempt to confuse Taylor with disguised coverages and force the young quarterback to patiently work through his progressions. Minnesota cannot allow the Bulldogs to create the explosive downfield plays that made the opener such a rout.
Mississippi State has legitimate weapons around Taylor. Anthony Evans III gives him a dangerous receiving option, while Fluff Bothwell and freshman J.J. Hill provide alternatives in the backfield. The Bulldogs don’t want Taylor throwing 40 times simply because Minnesota has taken away the easy plays.
Defensively, Mississippi State has returned to Zach Arnett’s aggressive 3-3-5 approach. That system can create confusion and negative plays, but Minnesota will undoubtedly test its discipline with the running game.
This feels like a fourth-quarter game. Minnesota has the home-field advantage and a style capable of reducing possessions, while Mississippi State appears to possess more explosiveness than it did a year ago.
The key is Taylor. If he handles the disguised looks, protects the football and converts third downs, Mississippi State can win this game. I’m going to take a slight upset here. The Bulldogs showed enough offensive firepower in Week 1 to convince me they’re capable of winning away from Starkville.
Prediction: Mississippi State 28, Minnesota 24
