Alabama vs Mississippi State Preview: Q&A with Andrew Miller

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It’s been a few years since we had a game with Mississippi State, so we’ve now got a new friend of the blog, Andrew Miller, from the Voice of College Football podcast network. Andrew gave some excellent answers this week, so go give him a follow on twitter @alestate2020.

1. A year ago, Mississippi State started 4-0 with a win over #12 Arizona State, but ultimately the season didn’t go well after that (though it was a brutal schedule). This year, the dogs are 4-0 again, and the media is taking notice. As a MSU fan, where’s your optimism level right now, and why is it different from last year?

It’s quite a bit higher than this time last season. Beating ASU was a clear sign State had taken a step forward, and it did raise expectations for that season. But ultimately that 4-0 start and their play through those games didn’t have anyone realistically thinking the Bulldogs were going to do more than fight for bowl-eligibility. This season, considering the opponents and performance, being 4-0 at this point has the fanbase believing a big year could be in store. Obviously the upcoming stretch of games is rigorous, but there’s more confidence that State can compete in those games and actually have a real shot at winning. Things can certainly change quickly, but I’m easily as optimistic about the program’s direction both for this season and beyond as I’ve been in several years.

2. This Kamario Taylor guy…. There was a decent bit of recruiting hype around him, but did you ever expect he’d be getting early-season Heisman talk in year 2? Are there warts to his game you’re worried about that we aren’t really seeing from an outside perspective right now? Or is he really looking like a guy who’s going to be at the forefront of college football the next two seasons?

 I can’t say I did. I was confident after the experience he gained as a freshman, the flashes he showed in those moments, and having an offseason of working as the starter that he would quickly establish himself as a very good and very fun college QB. I was not expecting him to be this incredibly dominant so quickly. What’s been most impressive is his operation of the offense. He’s not just running around succeeding off raw tools and getting by on play-making ability. He’s executing Jeff Lebby’s offense with high-level precision like a seasoned vet. Certainly he has room to grow. The accuracy can be hit-or-miss at times, and there’s instances where his internal clock needs speeding up. But there’s good process behind most everything he does. The poor decisions have come at a far lower rate than you’d expect for a second-year QB with just six starts. The current hype is justified, and I expect his stardom to only grow.

3. Taylor and RB Fluff Bothwell are getting all of the headlines right now. Can you talk about your receiver group and what Alabama fans should be looking out for?

This is the best WR room State has had in many years. I felt slot receiver Anthony Evans III was easily one of the most underrated players in the SEC coming into the year, and he’s proving me right as Taylor’s go-to target. He’s averaging 7 catches and 102 yards per game so far and can hurt defenses in a number of ways. Transfers Zion Ragins and Marquis Johnson are a pair of speedsters that have proven themselves as big-play threats so far. Then there’s Sanfrisco Magee who after two developmental years has emerged as a breakout star. He’s a bigger-framed wideout that leads the team with 5 TD catches. All four can stretch the field vertically, and that’s what this offense is looking to do.

4. Let’s talk a little defense. While the Dogs have been lighting up the charts on offense, both of their wins over Missouri and South Carolina were one-score affairs because they gave up their fair share of points. What’s been at the root of that, and is it something you think is getting cleaned up, or something that’s just going to be what it is and the MSU offense will have to keep outscoring their opponents?

It’s interesting to hear it framed that way because I think from the MSU perspective most have been quite pleased with the Bulldog defense. Some of that is merely just that they were so bad the last two years that any improvements are a major win, but Zach Arnett’s unit has genuinely played well overall. They held Minnesota without an offensive TD and got timely stops against both South Carolina and Missouri. They’ve done a good job of limiting run games, tackle well, and have mostly required teams to sustain longer drives to score. Kelley Jones and Jett Jefferson have been an outstanding CB duo. That’s not to say there aren’t weaknesses. The pass rush has been lacking, and at times the linebackers and safeties have been exploitable in coverage. But overall the unit has been a solid, if not good, compliment to the offense.

5. What matchup are you most confident in coming into this Alabama game, and which one has you the most nervous?

This is simply big picture for an entire unit, but at this point, I’m going to be confident in State’s offense to produce week over week. Certainly Alabama presents the toughest test yet, and I’m not telling you they put a big number on the board. But I trust in Jeff Lebby’s ability to scheme offense and this group’s ability to execute those schemes well enough to at least have a respectable showing. I’m also confident in the Bulldog CBs to hold their own even against a talented group of Alabama WRs. On the flipside, I feel the Tide could have a sizable edge in the trenches. Bama’s defensive front could pose real problems for the State OL, and while State’s defensive front has done well in playing the run, I question if they can generate enough pressure to effect Keelon Russell as much as they’ll need to on Saturday.

6. After this hot start, what would be the minimum for you to consider this season a a success?

Before the year, I felt 6 wins was the minimum expectation with 7-5 being a truly “good” year. After this start, it’s hard to not expect more. Yes, the schedule remains quite difficult. But 8 wins is absolutely attainable when considering the home opportunities remaining, and it’d be a disappointment to not get there.

7. Shoot your shot: what does the game look like this Saturday?

I expect a competitive game, but I’d still have to take Alabama right now. Kamario and the offense are going to have their fair share of impressive moments, but I think this could be the week where the opposing defense creates more havoc than the State offense can create explosive plays. And though I think State’s defense is much-improved, Alabama presents a different challenge on offense than they’ve faced so far. The more complete team makes a few more plays, and that’s the difference. Alabama 36-29.

8. Who wins the SEC?

I was all in on the Texas hype train entering the year. The defense has lived up to the hype so far. The offense still looks questionable, though, and that concerns me for that take holding true. But I still believe their best (if they ever reach it) is the best of any team in the SEC, so I’ll still (foolishly) put my faith in a Steve Sarkisian coached team to deliver.

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