It was a highly productive, turnover-free day for the Mississippi State in a scrimmage that topped 150 plays.

“After last week’s debacle, much better to see that of taking care of the football and (improved) decision making,” Mullen told The Clarion-Ledger’s Michael Bonner.

The “debacle” last weekend included six interceptions thrown by the Bulldogs quarterbacks.

Elijah Staley showed marked improvement on Saturday, with the best passing performance (17-of-28, 213 yards, TD) among MSU quarterbacks as well as a pair of rushing touchdowns. Damian Williams (12-of-17, 183 yards) led the way in touchdown passes with two. Nick Fitzgerald went a decent 15-of-25, up from his 8-of-20 prior performance, for 146 yards and a touchdown pass as well.

Bonner noted that all three quarterbacks worked with the first, second and third team offenses.

“I haven’t really looked at separation yet,” Mullen told Bonner. “I’m just compiling all my information on them still and a long way to go before I ever think (about a starter).”

Injuries to established playmakers like Fred Ross have led to opportunities for younger Bulldogs such as Malik Dear (8 catches, 133 yards) and Keith Mixon (7 catches, 80 yards) to step up.

“They are young guys that are getting opportunities and taking big steps forward,” Mullen said. “I think Keith (Mixon) has had an unbelievable spring, but all of them are taking giant steps forward because they have an opportunity to really learn. They are getting opportunities for the first time and they know what they are doing and making some plays.”

Mullen indicated he would have liked to seen more balance in the scrimmage dominated by the offense.

“Defensively, I wanted to see some guys step up and make plays,” Mullen told reporters. “We need guys that can do that, and we will get there.”