Booth Settling In For Bulldogs

STARKVILLE – Coming into last Saturday's contest against Florida, it was critical for Mississippi State to establish its presence on the ground.

The Bulldog backs were up for the task. State compiled a season-high 240 rushing yards, with 204 coming from the running backs. Johnnie Daniels led the way with 77 yards and a touchdown. Keyvone Lee rushed for 52 yards on eight carries.

Another bright spot for the Bulldogs' ground attack was Davon Booth, who put together his best game yet in the Maroon and White. The senior transfer rushed for 75 yards and found pay dirt.

"The offensive line was battling it out in practice," Booth said after the game. "We tried to emphasize the run game all week, and we definitely did that."

Booth, who came to Starkville after a successful career at Utah State, relishes the unique environment of Davis Wade Stadium.

"It's been very fun," he said. "The cowbells, that's something new for me. I've never seen or heard anything like it before. I love that tradition."

Booth is letting his appreciation for MSU push him as he's shown significant on-field growth over his first four games. It's been a valuable learning process.

"I got to thank [running backs coach Anthony Tucker]," Booth said. "To learn the whole offense, we have to know what the offensive line is doing at all times, and he is making sure we know that. It's helped me learn the blocking schemes and the correct holes to hit."

While having his best showing of the year, Booth was steadfast to share the spotlight. He gave high praise to his counterparts in the backfield.

"Johnnie and Keyvone had big days," Booth said. "Johnnie is just Johnnie. I don't know how he does some of the stuff he's doing. When you think he's about to fall, he gets back up. Keyvone, he's the leader of it all. We react off him. We just want to keep it going."

State will have a new starting quarterback taking snaps this upcoming Saturday in Austin, Texas. Jeff Lebby indicated that both Michael Van Buren and Chris Parson will have the opportunity to see the field. Booth has confidence in both of the young signal callers.

"Both Mike and Chris looked good [Tuesday] in practice," he said. "I'm excited to see them play."

As for Blake Shapen, his contributions off the field haven't gone unnoticed. He might not be suiting up for the Bulldogs after suffering his season-ending injury last Saturday, but his impact is still noticeable.

"Blake is definitely still around," Booth said. "For the rest of the season, he will be right there to help the quarterbacks along the way."

It will be a huge test for the Maroon and White on the road against Texas. It is an opportunity that Booth and his teammates are eager to face.

"We're excited," Booth said. "That's a great team over there. We're excited to be in that environment with over 100,000 people, but it's still football. We all put on our pads the same way. It's us going against them."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Booth Settling In For Bulldogs

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Davon Booth

Johnnie Daniels

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Chris Parson

Blake Shapen

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