After winning back-to-back non-conference games, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is happy to get back to playing SEC teams and said the increased competition will be good for his team.

“It’s good for us getting back into conference play. We have an opportunity playing a very tough Kentucky team.” –@CoachDanMullen #HailState

— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 19, 2015

Mullen spoke highly of the Bulldogs’ upcoming opponent, Kentucky. He said the Wildcats have the total package in quarterback Patrick Towles and that Kentucky’s defense also demands respect.

Mullen says Kentucky has a total package quarterback and a stout physical defense. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 19, 2015

The fans will have to come out in full force this weekend in Starkville because Mullen said a raucous environment can help the Bulldogs slow down Towles.

“The best way to disrupt any QB is to have home field advantage and to be in that hostile environment.” -DM #HailState

— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 19, 2015

Mississippi State and Kentucky are cross-division SEC teams that play every season. Mullen believes that the Wildcats have developed into the Bulldogs’ permanent SEC East rival.

Mullen echoing his words from last year, says a little bit of rivalry develops with permanent East opponent (UK). Teams know each other well — Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) October 19, 2015

Mullen then gave Mississippi State’s injury report. For the most part it was good, but the Bulldogs did suffer one big loss. Linebacker and key special teams contributor Dez Harris tore his ACL for the third time and is out for the year.

Fred Brown will play this week. Gabe Myles, Joe Morrow Ashton Shumpert “should be available this weekend.” Gus Walley will be questionable.

— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 19, 2015

Sophomore LB Dez Harris tore his ACL for the third time on Saturday. He’s out for the year. — Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulk247) October 19, 2015

But the growth and maturity that Mullen spoke about his team developing should help the Bulldogs cope with injuries and improve on the field moving forward.

Mullen says team is growing and maturing. “I think we have a little bit more identity of what our team is this year at this point.” — Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) October 19, 2015

With several crucial games left on the schedule, Mullen added that he has stressed to his team that performing well in big games just takes proper preparation.

Mullen on big games: Don’t worry about making mistake, if you go out and practice with a certain intensity and you can go relax and go play. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 19, 2015

To wrap his time up with the media, Mullen answered a question about quarterback Dak Prescott’s recent milestone of throwing 50 touchdowns and rushing for 30. Prescott joins Tim Tebow as quarterbacks to join the 50/30 club while being coached by Mullen.

“Our offense puts guys in a position to do those things. We highlight the strengths of quarterbacks.” -DM on Dak in 50/30 club #HailState — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 19, 2015

.@CoachDanMullen says that if you come to Mississippi State, you’ll have chances to become a special player. #HailState — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 19, 2015

Pat Donohue

Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.