Mullen not pleased with Mississippi State's performance in Week 6
Mississippi State crushed Troy 45-17 in Week 6, which had to leave Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen pleased.
But Mullen used his time with the media on Monday to say he was only satisfied with part of his team’s performance against the Trojans and that he felt like the Bulldogs took their foot off the gas in the second half.
“We played really well in the first half. That’s the team we’re use to seeing. We had a chip on our shoulder.” – @CoachDanMullen
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
Mullen said the first half play vs. Troy is the level of play he’s come to expect at MSU. Second half was “cruise control.”
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015
Mullen took the blame for his team’s apparent complacency against Troy and said he and the rest of the Mississippi State coaching staff needs to make sure they have the players more focused moving forward.
“We want guys to strain and play for four quarters. We didn’t play hard in the second half.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
Mullen then moved on to previewing the Bulldogs’ upcoming matchup in Week 7 with Louisiana Tech. He specifically pointed to quarterback Jeff Driskel and running back Kenneth Dixon as big threats on the Louisiana Tech offense.
“Louisiana Tech is an excellent football team. Their quarterback is a big-time player. He’s the real deal at QB.” – @CoachDanMullen
— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
“Tech has one of the best running back in America. He’s extra rested for our game.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
Mullen also complimented the Louisiana Tech defense and said they will present a tall task for his team as well.
“Their defense runs to the ball well. They’re disciplined. They play hard and with confidence. It will be a challenge.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
Speaking of Louisiana Tech’s defense, Mississippi State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz happened to be serving in the same position last year at Louisiana Tech. Mullen said there’s only so much that can be learned from Diaz about the Louisiana Tech defense and that the film of them this year will be more telling.
Mullen on Manny Diaz being at La Tech last year. “You figure it out on film anyway. I don’t know how many secrets there are” — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015
Mullen then reverted back to the game against Troy and gave some love to his own team for standout performances in Week 6, particularly the Bulldogs’ lines on both sides of the ball.
“I thought our offensive line played solid versus Troy.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
“As a whole, the defensive line played the best game they’ve played all season,” Mullen says of the Troy game. 15 tackles for loss. — Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) October 12, 2015
There were plenty of nice things said by Mullen about Mississippi State’s star quarterback Dak Prescott as well.
Mullen said Dak’s growth in maturity this year has been huge. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015
Mullen said Dak is absolutely better this year. He’s a quarterback this year, not just a play-maker. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015
But the Bulldogs were up by so much against Troy that all three Mississippi State quarterbacks actually saw the field. Despite Nick Fitzgerald thoroughly outplaying Elijah Staley, Mullen said the competition to be Prescott’s primary backup (and most likely successor after this season) is still wide open.
Mullen said if Dak went down for a long period of time, it’s still a toss up between Nick Fitzgerald and Elijah Staley. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015 “Someone has to emerge not just as the quarterback but the leader of the program.” Mullen — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015
Mullen also gave an injury report for his team that for the most part is pretty clean.
On the injury front, Mullen said they expect TE Gus Walley back this week, but could be a little longer for WRs Joe Morrow and Gabe Myles. — Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) October 12, 2015
“Rufus Warren should be good to go this week.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
With half of the 2015 season in the books, Mullen also took time to reflect on the state of the Mississippi State program and said he’s happy with the direction it’s heading in.
“In coming here I wanted to build a solid football program. We’ve had a tremendous amount of support from everyone.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
“My goal is to win a championship every year. The program is in pretty good shape.” – @CoachDanMullen — MSU Football (@HailStateFB) October 12, 2015
There was one final announcement before Mullen stepped down from the podium. He said that junior quarterback Damian Williams will redshirt.
Mullen said Damian WIlliams’ plan is to redshirt. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 12, 2015
