Dawgs Keep Building During Bye Week

STARKVILLE – There are no moral victories for Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs showed extraordinary growth last Saturday in Austin.

Head coach Jeff Lebby and his team are looking to build upon that performance heading into a bye week.

"We need to find a way to take the next step and go grab victory," Lebby said. "We've talked a ton about it. [Last Saturday was] a game where we had a ton of opportunities against a great football team. We've got to continue to build on the positives and fix the things that are keeping us from taking the next step."

Despite the negative outcome, State displayed some positive signs for the future. True freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren got the first start of his career in the Maroon and White.

He showed great poise in an environment of over 100,000 fans.

"That's something for Mike that's going to be huge for him, create great growth for him," Lebby said. "Understanding some of the good things that he did and some of the things where we had a chance to play a lot cleaner – he knows that, he understands that, and he's answered the bell in a great way."

Johnnie Daniels was also a highlight for the Dawgs, putting together another productive day on the ground with 75 yards on 15 carries. He has received high praise from his head coach.

"He's just gotten better and better," Lebby said. "Johnnie is a guy that the more reps he's gotten in practice, the more reps he's gotten in games, you see him have production. He's someone that I think has a chance to hit his stride on the back half of the season."

Last week's showing at Texas is proof of continued maturation within this football team. The schedule does not get any easier for the Bulldogs as they travel to Athens in two weeks for a matchup with Georgia. However, they're eager to take advantage of the bye week and improve upon the steps they have already taken.

"We talked about being very intentional in what we're doing on the practice field and making sure we're maximizing our time," Lebby said. "Our guys know that there is a real plan and what we're trying to get done over the next two days to be at our best next Saturday."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Dawgs Keep Building During Bye Week

Players Mentioned

Johnnie Daniels

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