The Mississippi State Bulldogs opened SEC play last week with a tough 41-14 home loss to the No. 14 LSU Tigers. It was Mississippi State’s first loss of the season, but it was one where it needed a solid performance the next week to get back on track.

The Bulldogs went on the road in a tough environment to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks for Week 4. The offense for the Bulldogs matched the intensity of the Gamecocks’ offense, but this time, it was the defense that failed Mississippi State. The Bulldogs dropped their second consecutive game with a 37-30 loss to the Gamecocks.

Player of the Week: Wide Receiver Lideatrick Griffin

For the second consecutive week, wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin is the Bulldogs’ player of the week. In a game where quarterback Will Rogers played better, it was Griffin who was the biggest reason for the Bulldogs’ offensive production.

Griffin led Mississippi State in receptions (7), receiving yards (256) and touchdowns (1). This was his best game in his collegiate career. Before this game, he had never accounted for more than 100 receiving yards in a game.

Rogers spread the ball throughout the team, but Griffin was the most efficient and biggest weapon.

Freshman of the Week: Punter Keelan Crimmins

Much like last week, the Bulldogs saw an impact from only one freshman. Australian punter Keelan Crimmins was a player who saw fewer punts as the Bulldogs’ offense was more effective.

Crimmins had 2 punts for 94 yards with his longest being 54 yards. His other punt was for 40 yards.

His punt for 54 yards got the Gamecocks inside the 1-yard line, but the defense of the Bulldogs allowed South Carolina to drive the ball for a 16-yard play; 99-yard drive for a touchdown.

Biggest Surprise: The Bulldogs offense outgaining South Carolina

Anytime a team outgains their opponent in total offense, it usually helps create a win. The offense of Mississippi State out-gained South Carolina 519-to-432 in total yards accounted for and first downs accounted for 20-to-19.

Rogers threw for 487 yards, while Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler threw for 288 yards. The Gamecocks have one of the more efficient offenses in the SEC.

Last week, the offense of Mississippi State showed its biggest weaknesses in the loss to LSU. South Carolina, knowing the Bulldogs’ biggest weaknesses, did not exploit Mississippi State for a similar performance LSU created.

Biggest Concern: The poor play of the secondary

The defense had the big task of holding the efficient Gamecocks’ offense to a moderate performance. While the pass rushers did their job at creating pressure on Spencer Rattler and the Gamecocks’ backfield, the secondary did a poor job of closing off routes and stopping the passing game.

The Bulldogs accounted for 4 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. The secondary didn’t account for a pass breakup as they were consistently beaten in coverages throughout the game. Rattler completed 18-of-20 of his passes for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns and a QBR of 96.7. He only has 2 incompletions in the game.

Developing Trend: Jett Johnson turning into an all-around All-SEC defender

In a season where the SEC is struggling on the defensive side of the ball, it is refreshing to see certain defenders make an impact throughout the field. Senior linebacker Jett Johnson had a busy performance in the game against South Carolina. Johnson accounted for a team-high 14 total tackles, 7 solo tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss.

In his 4 games played this season, Johnson has accounted for 45 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss,3 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Johnson is already on pace for career season. He is certainly a serious candidate to be named first-team All-SEC at the end of the season.

Key Stat: 1.4

The offense for the Bulldogs continues to develop the rushing game after playing in the Air Raid the last few seasons. Week 4’s loss to South Carolina might be the lowest point of this short season for the Bulldogs’ rushing offense. Mississippi State’s offense averaged 1.4 yards per rush against South Carolina’s defense. The Bulldogs rushed for 32 yards on 23 carries. This was not a great day for the Bulldogs’ offensive line as they also allowed 4 tackles for loss and 9 sacks.

First impression about Week 5

The Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-2) have suffered 2 consecutive losses, with both of them coming in SEC play. The Bulldogs continue their SEC play next week as they host the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1). Mississippi State has lost 15 consecutive games to Alabama.

It is not going to get easier for the Bulldogs as they host a potentially revitalized Crimson Tide team after defeating then-No. 15 Ole Miss 24-10 in Week 3. The Tide’s offense, especially the offensive line and the passing game, faced critical questions. If the Bulldogs’ defense plays similarly to the way they faced the Gamecocks’ offense, it is going to be tough for Mississippi State to remain in the game.

The offense of the Bulldogs could have another tough performance against the defense of the Tide, which has given up a total of 13 points in the last two weeks. The offense will need a complete performance from Rogers his receivers, the running backs and the offensive line to potentially upset Alabama.