Dan Mullen to media: Standout WR De'Runnya Wilson is 'going to be fine'
Dan Mullen’s team had a big opportunity in Week 11 against Alabama but failed to capitalize, taking a 31-6 loss in Starkville. Mississippi State gets a chance to redeem itself this week against an Arkansas team that is coming off a big win over LSU.
Mullen addressed the media on Monday to preview the upcoming matchup with the Razorbacks. But he started by showing his respect for Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, who announced this week that he will be stepping down after this season due to health concerns.
Dan Mullen opens his press conference offering prayers for Gary Pinkel. “Hopefully, he has many years to enjoy his family life.”
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 16, 2015
Mullen says he’s used Pinkel’s model to try to build his program.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 16, 2015
Then, Mullen got into talking about his team’s upcoming opponent. He had nothing but nice things to say about Arkansas and the way it’s playing right now and knows the Bulldogs are in for a big challenge this week.
Mullen: Arkansas is one of the hotter teams in the nation and the SEC.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 16, 2015
“It’ll be a huge challenge for us to go up there and find a way to win.” -Dan Mullen on this Saturday’s game at Arkansas
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) November 16, 2015
“They play really sound defense. Don’t give up big plays, make you work for everything, sound tacklers.’ -Dan Mullen on the Razorbacks
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) November 16, 2015
Mullen: They turned it around. I don’t see them schematically different than earlier in the year. I just see them making more plays.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 16, 2015
Perhaps Arkansas’ biggest strength is its stout offensive line, which is one of the biggest and baddest in the country. Mullen was sure to point out their success as well.
I like the way Mullen refers to Arkansas’ offensive line. “Big human beings.”
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 16, 2015
And finally came some injury news. Backup junior quarterback Damian Williams will redshirt. And starting wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson, who had a scary looking injury against the Crimson Tide, is actually OK and it appears the Bulldogs avoided a big loss.
Mullen says Damian Williams is redshirting.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 16, 2015
Mullen says De’Runnya Wilson is “going to be fine.” Won’t know his status until later in the week, but it’s not a threatening injury.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 16, 2015
