South Alabama Jaguars

Mississippi State vs. South Alabama: 5 things to look for

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Here are five things to look for when Mississippi State plays South Alabama on Saturday.

1. The QB rotation – Dan Mullen has already said he will probably play Damian Williams and Nick Fitzgerald in the 1st quarter. What will that look like?

If you recall the last QB rotation like that was a disaster. Against UAB in 2014, Dak Prescott drove MSU down the field for two quick scores, then Damian Williams came in and the offense flamed out. Mullen continued to push the rotation during the game despite UAB not going away and eventually making it somewhat close in the end.

If it were me, I’d let one QB have the first quarter and the other have the 2nd quarter. Then perhaps whoever did best would get the third quarter and let Nick Tiano have the 4th quarter. Alas, I’m not the head coach.

2. Jamoral Graham at cornerback – it looks as if converted WR Smokey Graham will get the start at CB opposite Lashard Durr. This is a critical position which has had a couple of key injuries during August camp (Cedric Jiles and Tolando Cleveland) so depth is a concern.

Smokey has what it takes physically but will he get the job done, or at least be serviceable at corner?

USA’s quarterback Dallas Davis only threw 23 passes as a freshman last year so we don’t really know if Graham will be tested or not. Either way, we’ll see if he can get his bearings in the opener.

3. What will the Viper look like – this is the new position that will either put MSU in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. We’ve heard everyone from Will Coleman to Anfernee Mullins to Gerri Green to Marquiss Spencer to Johnathan Calvin playing this new role.

Will we even know who is playing Viper? Unless they have a big “V” on their helmet or uniform odds are we won’t. Guys like Coleman or Calvin were/are defensive ends and guys like Gerri Green were/are linebackers. The Viper will have his hand in the dirt or in an upright stance so it’ll be hard to tell unless you’re really watching closely.

4. Can the Bulldogs’ O-line dominate – they should with the injuries that have decimated the Jaguars’ D-line. If State can’t run the ball with its tailbacks or keep the QB upright in this game then it could be a long season.

South Alabama wasn’t any good last year in either category. They only recorded 11 sacks on the year and gave up 221 yards per game rushing (113th).

5. Injures – this is a glorified preseason game. I don’t mean to make light of South Alabama’s abilities as a football program, but they’ve taken a step back since we last beat them 35-3 two years ago. This should be an easy win.

With the heat still lingering around from another brutal Mississippi summer, keeping the players fresh and away from potential injuries is a must. Everyone needs some playing time and experience as SEC play starts next week, but at the same time we want everyone to make it there as healthy as possible.