Published October 7, 2012 - 4:15pm
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Mississippi State is 5-0 for the first time since 1999 and bump up one spot to #19 in this week’s AP Poll, and they look poised to continue their hot streak. Namely, quarterback Tyler Russell has had a fantastic start to the season, as has senior wide receiver Chad Bumphis.
Dan Mullen said he thinks Russell reminds him of Alex Smith more than any other quarterback he’s coached. He reminds me of Smith, too. Russell can move around in the pocket and get away from pressure using his legs. He’s also a very good passer in and out of the pocket.
Chad Bumphis has really exploded in his senior season for the Bulldogs. A once-heralded blue chip recruit, Bumphis is finally living up to the potential he was recruited to be. Against Kentucky, he finished with nine catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Bumphis broke a school record with his touchdown catch, giving him 17 for his career. He’s caught 21 passes for 375 yards and six touchdowns this season. He picked a great year to break out as a senior.
Russell finished Kentucky completing 23 of 39 for 269 yards and two touchdowns. While his completion percentage is lower than he’d like (56.6 percent), he’s not turning the football over and has thrown for 10 touchdowns with only one interception for the season. He’s very efficient with the football and doesn’t take many risks.
Russell to Bumphis for 27 yards and a TD
Russell 10-yard touchdown pass
Tennessee comes calling next week, and the Bulldogs get a date with the Vols at home in Starkville. This is setting up to be a very interesting matchup.
