Missouri doesn’t give up a lot of yards. The Tigers are sixth in total defense and allow just 161.6 passing yards per game, also sixth best in the nation, entering Thursday night’s game against Mississippi State.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott passed for 243 yards in the first half alone against Kentucky.

The Bulldogs (6-2, 2-2 SEC) have scored at least 42 points in each of their last three games. The Tigers (4-4, 1-4) haven’t given up more than 21 points all season.

A young defensive line leads the way for Missouri. Sophomore DE Charles Harris and freshman DE Walter Brady each have 6 sacks. Harris also leads the SEC with 15.5 tackles for loss.

Fellow freshman DL Terry Beckner Jr. has 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Upperclassmen linebackers Kentrell Brothers and Donavin Newsom each have 7 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks and provide leadership to the young defensive line.

Although good at both, the Missouri defense is better at pressuring the quarterback than stopping the run, so it is key for Mississippi State to establish a running attack. The Bulldogs don’t want Prescott forced to drop back in obvious passing situations all night.

Mississippi State’s running game has been inconsistent, but in its last game against Kentucky, the Bulldogs gained 204 rushing yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Prescott rushed for 117 yards and three touchdowns.

Missouri’s offense has been terrible this season. The Tigers have scored only 12 points on four field goals in their last three games, all losses. Missouri hasn’t scored a touchdown in 13 quarters.

Mississippi State forced three turnovers in its last game. Turnovers and short fields would certainly make it easier on Prescott and the offense this week. Besides Alabama, Missouri is the toughest defense Mississippi State will face this season.

MISSOURI TIGERS CLOSER LOOK

Key Player, offense: Drew Lock, Fr., QB — Lock has filled in while junior quarterback Maty Mauk served a four-game suspension and will continue because Missouri announced that Mauk is suspended for the rest of the season. The freshman has 763 passing yards with 3 TDs and 3 interceptions. He has thrown for 150 passing yards in just one game.

Key Player, offense: Nate Brown, So., WR — Brown leads the anemic Tigers offense with four TDs. He has 20 catches for 251 yards.

Key Player, defense: Kentrell Brothers, Sr., LB — Brothers has been a rock. In addition to his 7 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, he leads the team with 103 tackles. Brothers also has 2 interceptions.