Promising Preseason Gives Way To Game Week
August 26, 2023 | Football, Joel Coleman
Bulldogs put a lid on camp as all eyes turn to the opener.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State was inside Davis Wade Stadium conducting its final practice of the preseason on Saturday. As things wrapped up, the videoboards in both end zones – for no particular reason – ironically displayed the following score:
State 10, State 10
It wasn't meant to indicate as much, but an end-of-preseason tie did seem incredibly fitting given the last three weeks of Bulldog camp that've featured promising moments on both the offensive and defensive sides.
The same theme continued Saturday in MSU's last tune-up before game week.
Running backs continued to flash their potential. Jo'Quavious Marks and Seth Davis picked up big gains on the ground and through the air, while Keyvone Lee broke loose on a 50-yard touchdown run. Receiver Lideatrick Griffin also chipped in a touchdown rush, scoring from three yards out on a jet sweep.
The passing game added a few final preseason highlights as well with Will Rogers, Mike Wright, Chris Parson and Jake Weir all contributing. Parson and Weir both had touchdown tosses in the abbreviated scrimmage.
Meanwhile, on defense, linebacker Nic Mitchell had a sack in the end zone for a safety. Nathaniel Watson, J.P. Purvis, Jaden Crumedy and Gavin Nelson all added tackles for loss, too.
Safety Marcus Banks produced the day's lone turnover, stopping an offensive scoring opportunity with an interception at the goal line off a pass tipped into the air.
It was another day of give and take. Another day of back and forth. And it all took place in an atmosphere that made it completely clear kickoff is now just around the corner.
There was an added intensity to Saturday's work. There was an increased urgency.
Remember back when head coach Zach Arnett stepped to the podium last month for his first Southeastern Conference Media Days appearance? He talked about the identity he wanted his team to have.
Tough. Hard-nosed. Disciplined.
Well on Saturday at Davis Wade, there Arnett was continuing to preach those principles and strongly reinforcing their importance to players up and down the depth chart. The ones who best grasp those principles and are able to mix the right attitude with precise execution will be the ones who, next weekend, will start trying to wrap games in Maroon and White.
The Bulldogs have obviously sensed every day's significance this August as the guys have gone about trying to solidify spots. As hot as the weather's been, the competition to fill coveted roles on this year's team has been even hotter. The desire to do whatever it takes to make this a special season has been apparent. It carried all the way up to the conclusion of Saturday's practice.
When Rogers walked off the field towards the tunnel, he immediately struck up a conversation with a State assistant. The gist of the talk was clear. Something was discovered to help make MSU better.
It was a brief glimpse into the driven attitude that has been fostered over the course of the preseason on offense, defense and special teams all. It's why camp has been so competitive. All these Dawgs are determined to win. Beginning next Saturday, they'll have the chance to start doing just that.
The preseason is done. There'll be no more ties on the scoreboard. Finally, it's go time.
