Dan Mullen: Mississippi State 'handled some adversity' in win over Arkansas
Dan Mullen has done a tremendous job with Mississippi State, and he led the Bulldogs to a comeback win over Arkansas Saturday.
The Razorbacks have struggled for much of the year, but they came into the game playing inspired football. The Bulldogs also came out sluggish following a close loss to Alabama last weekend. Mississippi State had a number of turnovers in the first half that allowed Arkansas to jump to a 14-0 lead.
It looked like the Bulldogs might be headed for an upset loss, but QB Nick Fitzgerald rallied the offense. He led two late touchdown drives and threw the game-winning touchdown with just seconds remaining that lifted MSU to the win.
It was a hard-fought game, and here is a look at what Mullen had to say after the victory:
On the touchdown to tie the game at 21:
“He ran a perfect route. I think it was third down and to that point, we had been trying to run the ball and pound away. They started crowding the line of scrimmage and so you get one-on-one’s when that happens. We thought we could get good protection on the play and we did. Everybody filled to try and stop the run. Fitzgerald, after missing a couple of throws in the game, I think, threw a strike on that one.”
On if there was a hangover from the Alabama game:
“I don’t think so. We had great week of preparation. It’s late in the season and you come out to a tough environment on a windy and cold day. The ball didn’t bounce our way all game long. When we evaluate the lm, every coach and player can say this can be better. I thought our guys were ready to go, they had a great attitude all week. We’re playing a tough team on the road in November in the SEC. It’s tough to win that way.”
On quarterback Nick Fitzgerald’s game:
“I think it shows his maturity that when he has a tough game, he can bounce back late and make big plays. I’m sure he’s frustrated as the game goes on, but just play the next play. Maturity was probably the best part of his performance today.”
"It's a big win. That's a big win for us." — Dan Mullen pic.twitter.com/AYthEntQLi
— Andrew Harrison WJTV (@AndrewWJTV) November 18, 2017
Dan Mullen: "I'm proud of our guys … handled some adversity."
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 18, 2017
Dan Mullen on Arkansas going on 4th down late: One of the easiest things to do is second guess. You try to make a decision for what’s best.
— Scottie Bordelon (@NWAScottie) November 18, 2017
"I tried to count to 10 and take a deep breath" — Mullen on dealing with the weirdness from today.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) November 18, 2017
Mullen: "We gotta fall on the ball. Fall. On. The. Ball."
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 18, 2017
On go-ahead TD to Thomas, Mullen says they expected Arkansas would stack the box and they could get some one-on-one matchups. Worked out well.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 18, 2017
Mullen says he expects starting WR Keith Mixon and S Brandon Bryant both back for the Egg Bowl.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 18, 2017