The Bulldogs have tried a slue of different quarterbacks this season trying to improve an offense that was dismal a year ago.  It seems after last week’s game against Tennessee that Croom will stick with Wesley Carroll under center.  Despite completing only 50 percent of his passes, Carroll failed to throw an interception and racked up over 200 yards through the air.  In fact, in 74 pass attempts this season Carroll has yet to throw a pick.  As good as that stat looks, he has only thrown for two touchdowns on the season, both coming a week ago against the Volunteers. 

The running game has been much improved for the Bulldogs from a year ago as Anthony Dixon has shined in recent weeks.  On the season he has rushed for nearly 700 yards and has ten touchdowns.  Christian Ducre is a reliable backup who can give Dixon a rest when needed while still picking up necessary yardage on the ground, despite carrying the ball only three times a week ago.

Tony Burks and Jamayel Smith are the leaders of the receiving corp.  Burks is the biggest target for Carroll as he stands at 6’4” and is the co-leader on the team with 16 receptions.  Aubrey Bell is another big receiving target and he stands one-inch shorter than Burks at 6’3”.  The Mountaineer secondary will have to keep a close eye on these two big men as no one in the Mountaineer starting secondary stand taller than 6’1”, and both corners barely hit the 6’0” mark on their “tippy toes”. 

Mississippi State’s defense was supposed to be it’s strong point this season.  There is a lot of speed on the defensive side of the ball but the Bulldogs are giving up 25 points per game.  Their best performance came in a win at Auburn on September 15^th when they surrendered only 14 points to the Tigers.  However, the defensive line was shoved around by Tennessee and had trouble stopping the run.  Tennessee ran and threw for over 200 yards against the Bulldogs while turning the ball over only once. 

One thing Mississippi State did do well against the Volunteers however was stop them on third down.  Tennessee went 5 for 15 on third down tries.  Many of those failed third down attempts resulted in field goals for the Volunteers late in the game, which ultimately sealed the fate of the Bulldogs.  The “bend-but-don’t break” mentality has been a staple of the West Virginia defense for years, as they have had powerful offenses to outscore their opponents.  Mississippi State has failed to score enough points to make that system work averaging just over three touchdowns a game.

SEC teams always play a physical game and this one should be no different.  Mississippi State has hung tough with some of the nation’s best this season and should not be intimidated by the Mountaineers despite playing their first game at Mountaineer Field.  Pat White’s status has improved in the off week but speculation still lingers as to whether or not he will start the game, or share reps with back up quarterback Jarrett Brown.  Mountaineer fans will be looking for a repeat performance of last year’s game in Starkville while the Bulldogs will be looking to upset another top 25 team.

Prediction:

WVU- 51  MSU-13

West Virginia is averaging 50 points per game in their two contests at home this season, while Mississippi State has struggled to score points on the road against good defenses.  Steve Slaton should get out of his funk against the Bulldogs rushing for over 150 yards and two touchdowns.  Pat White will play and be the difference as he rushes for 100 yards and a score and throws for 150.  The back ups will be in by the fourth quarter providing a little more rest as the Mountaineers breeze past Mississippi State and on to Rutgers next Saturday.