Mississippi State’s opener to test trenches

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Leading up to this season, Mississippi State has worked to improve both the offensive and defensive lines. This Saturday, observers will see if those changes were enough.

The Bulldogs host Louisiana-Monroe to start their year. The Warhawks struggled last season, finishing 3-9 overall and 1-7 in the Sun Belt while placing last in their West division. However, they possess elements of note.

“I would imagine they're going to be a run-first football team," State coach Jeff Lebby said. "I don't know that, but as we get into it, we'll get a great feel of who they are.”

Since coach Bryant Vincent took over ahead of the 2024 season, the Warhawks have run the ball 59.5% of the time, according to teamrankings.com. This will likely still be the case with new offensive coordinator Jesse Montalto, whose particular scheme will involve more uses of the run-pass option.

Third-year quarterback Aidan Armenta will lead that charge, with Louisville transfer Don Chaney and Utah State transfer Derrick Jameson as the two top running backs. Those three and their scheme will face an MSU defense that allowed an SEC-most 186.3 rushing yards per game in 2025.

“We're going to need to play really well in all three phases,” Lebby said. “I think from a defensive line standpoint, playing on the other side of the line of scrimmage, causing great knock-back, and having the ability to create negative plays will be a huge part of it.”

State’s offensive line must also prove itself, and it will start by monitoring two of the Warhawks’ best players.

Linebacker Noah Flemmings led ULM with 80 total tackles and 40 solo tackles a season ago to go with 3.5 sacks. He will make a formidable tandem with Marcus Ross, who made 35 total tackles, 27 solo tackles and two sacks last year. They will line up against an MSU offensive line that allowed an SEC-leading 45 sacks.

“Those two inside backers are, I think, their best players, defensively,” Lebby said. “They’re guys that have production, over 110 tackles, I think, between the two of them, tackles-for-loss and negative plays, and guys that show up, obviously. We have to do a great job hatting those guys and knowing where they're at.”

Kickoff on Saturday is at 6:30 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPNU.

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