This is no longer the Mississippi State team of past years. In 2023, the Bulldogs are a run-first team, which showed in their first two games. As coach Brian Kelly and LSU football are set to face them for the SEC opener, physicality will be an emphasis and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo broke down the matchup earlier this week.
Physicality could be the key to LSU football vs. Mississippi State matchup
No other team in college football shifted its identity to the extent that Mississippi State has so far in 2023. For years, the Bulldogs have been known for the air raid, a style of offense largely started by legendary head coach Mike Leach.
However, with new head coach Zach Arnett at the helm, he had a slightly different idea for how the offense should look. So far, in 2023, the team has racked up 443 rushing yards compared to just 389 yards through the air.
This is a complete 180 from what fans are used to seeing from this team. Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean Brian Kelly and the Tigers will be surprised. Heading into the 2023 matchup, Mekhi Wingo broke down the Bulldog offense and how he expects a much more physical game than years past.
“This year, those guys are committed to running the ball. They’re 65 percent run, and that’s crazy when thinking about Mississippi State – that this is what they’re putting on film, but yeah, they definitely took a whole other approach, and we’re gonna have to go out there and match their physicality. And it’s gonna start with what we do in practice.”
Wingo is no stranger to physicality. In fact, if you watch him long enough, it’s not hard to see that he thrives with it.
“The exciting part of the matchup is they hang their hat on running the ball this year, and this defense, we hang our hat on stopping the run,” the senior defensive tackle continued. “So it’s going to be a – definitely a physical game. They have some explosive backs; the quarterback, he can definitely make the throws when necessary. But, it’s a great challenge for us, and it’ll be fun for sure.”
Ultimately, because of how these two teams are built, the more physical team should come out on top. Coach Brian Kelly has built this year’s team through the trenches. Zach Arnett hopes to build his in a similar manner.
Expect tomorrow to be just the start of what could be a very physical matchup for years to come between these two programs.
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