Mississippi State probably wishes it wasn’t entering a bye week following last Saturday’s emphatic 23-9 win against then-No. 8 Auburn, but the Bulldogs are making the most of it anyway.

Coach Joe Moorhead said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference that he’ll be focused on self-scouting and recruiting this week before No. 24 Mississippi State returns to action at No. 13 LSU on Oct. 20. The first-year Bulldogs coach also discussed the play of senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and the success of defensive coordinator Bob Shoop.

You can read his comments below.

On coaching QB Nick Fitzgerald and his running ability:

  • This past game against Auburn displayed his ability to run the ball. … (He had) lots of yards after contact. When you compile that many yards in this conference, that shows his ability.

How has he been able to be so successful?

  • Size, speed, physicality. He makes people miss, and his durability.

On Bob Shoop’s defense:

  • There’s plenty of talent and experience on this unit. … Bob has been dialing things up at the right time.

Why were you so confident in him after his Tennessee tenure?

  • I’ve known Bob since his high school days. All across his stops, he’s been successful. The job he did at Vandy, he helped that team win so many. What he did at Penn State — his track record outside of Tennessee was one of a pretty good defense.

How detailed is your self-scouting?

  • We have a full binder, ranging from run-pass, to down and distance and shot plays. Red zone, goal line, all those things, we study all of them.

On the fans and the relief of scoring a touchdown:

  • It was a confidence-booster (for) the players and coaches. The first thing we have to do is put the kids in a position to be successful. Failing in that Florida game, we needed to reevaluate a bit.