[Tuck4Bama]

Sat, Sep 22 Gardner-Webb
Starkville 6:00 p.m.

[Tuck4Bama]

Mississippi State vs. Gardner-Webb


Last week: Beat Auburn 19-14


Saturday: vs. Gardner-Webb (Scott Field, Starkville) 6 p.m.


TV: None


Radio: MSU Network (WOAD-105.9-FM, Jackson)


ON OFFENSE
Gardner-Webb has built an offense primarily around a potent passing game. Quarterback Devin Campbell is 29-of-49 with three touchdowns and two interceptions in two games, and has thrown for 402 yards. His favorite target is receiver Duvaughn Flagler, who has 12 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Gardner-Webb has vowed to improve its running game this season, and tailback David Montgomery showed out with 145 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.

ON DEFENSE

Last year's Gardner-Webb defense was among the worst in the country, so the Runnin' Bulldogs are trying out new schemes this year under first-year defensive coordinator John Windham. The unit is led by senior defensive end Brian Johnston, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound player that G-W thinks is a legitimate pro prospect. He has two sacks and four and a half tackles for loss this season. In G-W's 27-6 win over Jacksonville on Sept. 8, the Runnin' Bulldogs held JU to 12 yards rushing.

INTANGIBLES

Steve Patton has built a nice little program at Gardner-Webb, one that's averaged seven wins a year in his decade at the school. But the Runnin' Bulldogs will likely be outmanned talent-wise against Mississippi State.
- Kyle Veazey

Mississippi State vs. Gardner-Webb