Matchup Breakdown: Prescott-Robinson duo vs. Vanderbilt defense
The Vanderbilt Commodores (3-7, 0-6 SEC) face the No. 4 Missisippi State Bulldogs (9-1, 5-1) Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium. The Commodores look to use an extra week of preparation to their advantage following their second bye. The Bulldogs are coming off a 25-20 loss to No. 1 Alabama, their first of the season.
Saturday’s loss saw a lackluster performance from quarterback Dak Prescott. The former Heisman favorite threw a season-worst three interceptions.
It was a blemish on what has been an otherwise historic season. Prescott has 3,417 total yards (2,521 passing, 861 rushing, 35 receiving) and 32 touchdowns (20 passing, 11 rushing, one receiving)
Josh Robinson is also enjoying a breakout season for Mississippi State. The junior has 1,021 rushing yards — ranking third among SEC backs — and 11 touchdowns. But Robinson also struggled against the Alabama run defense, finishing with 37 yards on 12 carries.
Vanderbilt presents a more favorable matchup for the Bulldogs duo. Aside from linebackers Nigel Bowden and Caleb Azubike, the Commodores defense lacks the talent to stop Mississippi State’s rushing attack.
Mississippi State ranks No. 18 overall in rushing offense with 243.2 yards per game. The Bulldogs have totaled 2,432 yards.
Vanderbilt ranks No. 80 overall in rushing defense and has allowed 175.2 yards per game. The Commodores also rank No. 113 overall in red zone defense, entering Saturday’s game with a .905 average.
Mississippi State should bounce back against a struggling Vanderbilt defense. Prescott and Robinson will see strong performances against a unit that has failed to stop opposing SEC offenses.