Mississippi State fell 38-7 against Alabama on Saturday. In Year 2 under Joe Moorhead, the Bulldogs have lost by a combined 87 points (130-43) to the Big 3 in the SEC West (Alabama, Auburn and LSU).  It’s an alarming margin considering MSU beat Auburn 23-9 last season and was closer in losses to Alabama (24-0) and LSU (19-3). Moorhead, however, isn’t willing to say the Bulldogs have gotten worse.

“I don’t necessarily see a step back,” he said after Saturday’s Alabama game. “I think it’s a combination of things.”

Here are some of the other items Moorhead discussed in his postgame presser:

  • Bulldogs had a good week of practice.
  • They didn’t coach or play well enough to beat a team like Alabama.
  • Tommy Stevens is starting quarterback moving forward. Garrett Shrader is still getting over some health issues.
  • RB Kylin Hill is dealing with an upper-body injury. “We’re optimistic there. That will be day-to-day.”
  • DB CJ Morgan has a lower-body injury and will miss the rest of the season.
  • On facing Alabama’s offense: “It’s a choose your poison deal.”

Moorhead’s squad will look to get to 5-6 next week against Abilene Christian with bowl eligibility likely riding on the outcome of the Egg Bowl.