South Alabama at Mississippi State: 3 Things to Watch

Mississippi State opens its 2016 schedule against the South Alabama Jaguars. With all due respect to the Jags, this one shouldn’t be much of a game. If it is, then trouble’s a-brewin’ down in Starkville. Nevertheless, there are still some interesting things to watch for in this game. In this article we will give you three. Feel free to share your own in the comments. Off we go!

1. The Quarterback Battle

Nov 8, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Damian Williams (11) passing against the UT Martin Skyhawks during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

In my Fall Camp Questions piece on the Bulldogs, I predicted Elijah Staley to win the quarterback job. He transferred almost immediately after the post was published. So that’s a shame. Anyway, the battle rages on in Starkville. The top two contenders appear to be Nick Fitzgerald and Damian Williams. Both quarterbacks will play against the Jags. Who will win the job? We will know soon enough.

2. Who Steps up to Complement Fred Ross?

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Donald Gray (6) catches a pass as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) defends at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Fred Ross is a great wide receiver, but he can’t do it alone. He needs another receiver to step up and force teams to respect him. In my SEC Breakout Players piece I predicted Donald Gray would be that guy. Gray is a deep threat, which should open up things for Ross underneath. Gray is listed as a starter against South. But he still has to go out and prove it on the field.

3. Can the Bulldogs Force Some Turnovers?

Oct 4, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Richie Brown (39) returns an interception against the Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 48-31. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Turnovers are a funny thing. Some years a team gets a lot, other years they get almost none. Last season the Bulldogs struggled to generate turnovers, particularly fumbles. Over the course of 13 games they managed to recover one fumble. One. That’s absurd. They’ll need to do better on that front this season. Hopefully they get off to a good start against USA.

Conclusion

Oct 17, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) hands the ball to running back Brandon Holloway (10) during the first half against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Thank you for reading. Is there a key factor you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

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