• Big Ten Bowl Shakeup; Sharing With ACC Coming
  • Ultimate NU Football Summer Guide
  • Can Crawford Lead B1G in Scoring?
  • Big Ten Adding Lacrosse in 2014-2015 season
  • Hance Picks NU over Nebraska, Illinois, Others
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Archive
  • Football
  • Basketball
Recruiting
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Lacrosse
  • More Sports
  • Podcast
  • Video
  • Photos
Forums
  • Football
  • Basketball
Football, Uncategorized, Wildcat Blog

Opponent Media Q&A: Gator Bowl Edition — Clarion-Ledger Mississippi State Beat Writer Brandon Marcello

Chris Johnson
By Chris Johnson (@ChrisDJohnsonn)
Dec 30, 2012

by Chris Johnson (@ChrisDJohnsonn)

If you want an informed perspective on Mississippi State sports, Brandon Marcello, Bulldogs beat writer for the Clarion-Ledger, is your man. He offered a few moments from his busy pre-Gator Bowl schedule to answer a few questions. You can follow him on Twitter @bmarcello. Read his MSU blog for more game coverage.

- – -

Mississippi State rode a 7-0 start to a No. 11 BCS ranking and plenty of national attention, then went on to lose four of its final five. The schedule got tougher down the stretch, but is there anything else you can pinpoint that changed as the Bulldogs’ season turned for the worse?

BM: MSU started the season 7-0, as you said, but had a tough time defending teams which utilized spread offenses (Troy, Tennessee, etc.). Other teams took notice. Even teams not known as spread teams, implemented aspects of the offense and some of the hurry-up to confuse the Bulldogs, who have not done well communicating in the secondary against pass-happy teams. The defense just has not lived up to the hype this season and they’re capable of so much more.

How did this team respond to seeing its success so quickly halted by a brutal schedule? Did coach Dan Mullen talk about the entire season as a success, or did he focus on the negatives that felled the Bulldogs the last five weeks of the season?

BM: Dan Mullen is never going to focus on the negatives. He just doesn’t. That’s his style. But the fan base has done so of late and there’s no doubt that a 1-4 finish to the season has chipped away some of the mystique of the season. There’s an undercurrent is negative, but a win against nationally-ranked Northwestern, I think, would wash that away. Facing three top 10 teams in consecutive weeks was tough, and at times I thought the Bulldogs had a chance to knock off LSU before they made some mistakes.

Describe the play of quarterback Tyler Russell. He’s often mentioned as having one of the strongest arms in the SEC, but his below-60 percent completion percentage is somewhat low. What are his strengths? weaknesses?

BM: Tyler is very good at staying in the pocket, absorbing hits and allowing his receivers’ routes to develop. Sometimes that helps him and other times it hurts. He’s held onto the ball too long at times, and while it hasn’t necessarily led to sacks, it’s led to some big plays being missed down field. With that said, Tyler Russell is the best quarterback in MSU history after only one year as a starter. His completion percentage should be higher, but he’s pretty consistent and he doesn’t make mistakes (22 TDs, 6 INTs). He could have a special senior season in 2013.

LaDarius Perkins and Chad Bumphis are the Bulldogs’ two most notable offensive skill players. Who are some other guys to watch on that side of the ball?

BM: Keep your eyes on tight ends Marcus Green and Malcolm Johnson. They may be the best pass-catchers on the team, though they have been lost in the mix of late. Green was leading the SEC in TD receptions a few weeks into the season. They’re legit threats.

Oh, and backup QB Dak Prescott is a bruiser. He comes into the game in red-zone and short-yardage situations much like Dan Mullen utilized Tim Tebow in his freshman season.

A similar question for the defense: besides Thorpe Award winner Johnthan Banks, where are the individual bright spots in the defense?

BM: As bad as the communication has been at times in the secondary, that whole group is very talented. The lack of the pass rush has forced the defensive backs to cover receivers much longer than they should and it’s led to some big pass plays. Senior CB Darius Slay’s five interceptions is tied for the SEC lead, so keep an eye on him. Safety/cornerback Corey Broomfield led MSU in interceptions as a freshman and is now a senior. Broomfield and Slay grew up within a couple hours of Jacksonville (Slay in Brunswick, Ga., and Broomfield in Palm Bay, Fla.) and will have plenty of friendly eyes in the stands. They could have a big game.

Coach Dan Mullen has won bowl games in each of the last two seasons, including the Gator Bowl in 2010. That success has continued the program’s five-game postseason winning streak, which currently stands as the longest in the nation. Is there something you notice this program doing especially well to prepare for postseason games? A certain mentality, preparation method, etc. Mullen has his teams take up in the layoff between the regular season and the finale?

BM: I just think Mullen has them believing in themselves again. Some of it has to do with matchups. Let’s face it: Michigan completely gave up in the Gator Bowl two years ago, but a lot of that had to do with the pounding MSU gave the Wolverines in the trenches. They broke the Wolverines’ backs and they gave up with a lame duck coach on the sideline. The win against Wake Forest last year was tough and, again, was won because of the Bulldogs being physical up front. I think that’s what has been the common theme in those bowl wins: MSU was just more physical and bigger. Now, the criticism facing this MSU team is that they’re not physical enough. That will be tested Tuesday. I’ve had several players tell me that they need to get back to running the ball effectively, which means they’re ready to get their hands dirty and their noses bloody.

What is Mississippi State’s greatest strength/trait on offense? On defense?

BM: MSU’s passing game is the strength on offense, though LaDarius Perkins can break one loose at any time. WR Chad Bumphis has really done an incredible job this season and will go down as fan favorite once he leaves here in January. The defense is strong in the secondary, as mentioned above. Johnthan Banks won the Thorpe Award with four picks. Slay has five picks.

Prediction (with score)?

BM: I can see Northwestern getting out to an early lead, perhaps by double digits, before MSU catches back up in the passing game and by not abandoning the run game. I think MSU has what it takes to wear Northwestern down in the trenches if it keeps the run game going late. The Wildcats’ run defense is VERY good, as we know, but MSU may be a bit stronger in the trenches and I think it will show late. I’ll take MSU 31, Northwestern 27.

Tags: Gator Bowl, Mississippi State football, Northwestern athletics, northwestern football, northwestern vs mississippi state
  • Pingback: fsgb80v7cbwe

  • Pingback: Paris Thurlby

  • Pingback: Helen Matthews

  • Pingback: Deluxe Automatic Voltage Regulator, Step Up & Down Converter Transformer

  • Pingback: distilling definition

  • Pingback: My Home Website

  • Pingback: kalendarz

  • Pingback: Braun Cruzer

  • Pingback: 500 mg antibiotics

  • Pingback: distilling vodka

  • Pingback: nazilli

  • Pingback: home alcohol distillers

  • Pingback: rick prodo

  • Pingback: prepurchase inspection

  • Pingback: asian sex cam

  • Pingback: Payday Loans Australia

  • Pingback: kratom

  • Pingback: buy synthroid online

  • Pingback: St. Edward’s University Students Reach Out to help the Homeless

  • Pingback: deep tissue massage Warrenton, VA

  • Pingback: mowe strony www

  • Pingback: best poppers

  • Pingback: Blinds

  • Pingback: distillation equipment for sale

  • Pingback: read more

  • Pingback: แทงบอลออนไลน์

  • Pingback: Life Path Number

  • Pingback: sbobet

  • Pingback: http://bigorbust.net/online-casino

  • Pingback: cougar woman

  • Pingback: dreambox

  • Pingback: make money with youtube

  • Pingback: Druk ekspresowy

  • Pingback: Life Cover

  • Pingback: Life Cover

  • Pingback: Get Him Back Forever review

  • Pingback: quitting smoking with e-cigarettes

  • Pingback: sell home lancaster texas

  • Pingback: Quality Caskets

  • Pingback: blocked drains thomastown

  • Pingback: fast no download slots online

  • Pingback: auction sites

  • Pingback: Voltage Optimization

  • Pingback: green coffeee beans

  • Pingback: deals

  • Pingback: 9

  • Pingback: buy seo services

  • Pingback: kliknij tutaj

  • Pingback: Realtors in Orange County

  • Pingback: Pure Leverage

  • Pingback: south park mercury

  • Pingback: best franchises to invest in

  • Pingback: dj for sweet 16

  • Pingback: chicago mortgage rates

  • Pingback: Anonymous

  • Pingback: additional cost up

  • Pingback: actual value

  • Pingback: see

  • Pingback: pricing shown axz

  • Pingback: rear wheel models

  • Pingback: Sammy Samano

  • Pingback: size genetics review

  • Pingback: Opolskie

  • Pingback: vehicle may

  • Pingback: encinitas optometrist

  • Pingback: kayaks

  • Pingback: buy youtube likes

  • Pingback: Saudi Universities1

  • Pingback: naval chakra

  • Pingback: Atramenty

  • Pingback: Calculate mortgage repayments

  • Pingback: Home Based Business Opportunities

  • Pingback: Pembroke pines dental

  • Pingback: AAA Hermes Handbags

  • Pingback: bankruptcy help

  • Pingback: Our local expert

  • Pingback: SEO

  • Pingback: painting contractor denver

  • Pingback: quebec dj

  • Pingback: Hotel Demo Milan

  • Pingback: healing pictures

  • Pingback: mortuary supplies usa

  • Pingback: visit site

  • Pingback: 20 lb 42 x 150 paper

  • Pingback: detox dieta

  • Pingback: ipad help tutorial

  • Pingback: buy gaming desktop

  • Pingback: Kosmetyczka

  • Pingback: kaos distro

  • Pingback: skin lightening

  • Pingback: Architecture

  • Pingback: Kamagra Oral Jelly

  • Pingback: xxx toy

  • Pingback: 10 Weeks Body Change

  • Pingback: montville weddings

  • Pingback: Purchase HCG

  • Pingback: southern college health association

  • Pingback: furniture shop

  • Pingback: villaförsäkringar

  • Pingback: Glow in the dark makeup

  • Pingback: Boston physical therapist

  • Pingback: Halogen Oven Reviews

  • Pingback: big cock

  • Pingback: scam host thepremierhost.com

  • Pingback: buy cheapest propecia coupons

  • Pingback: telesoft consulting

  • Pingback: enlarge your penis

  • Pingback: paper towels in bulk

  • Pingback: logbook loan

  • Pingback: ecommerce website design

  • Pingback: toddler bed

  • Pingback: Travelgenio Resultados

  • Pingback: buy generic stendra online

  • Pingback: http://solarpanelinstallers.webspawner.com/

  • Pingback: viagra uk

  • Pingback: Online Payday Loans No Fax

  • Pingback: Travelgenio

  • Pingback: bitcoins for silver

  • Pingback: pre-rental property inspection adelaide

  • Pingback: Uber wonderful youtube . com movie

  • Pingback: funny signs

  • Pingback: click here

  • Pingback: crédit immobilier en ligne

  • Pingback: facebook hacker software

  • Pingback: Real Estate Undergraduate Program

  • Pingback: click the up coming site

  • Pingback: Flood Damage Repair San Diego

  • Pingback: Aplikasi HP terbaru

  • Pingback: chest pain

  • Pingback: what to do in singapore

  • Pingback: http://servicemembersunderground.com/groups/how-to-go-your-doctor-assistant-education/

  • Pingback: San Diego Electrical Services

  • Pingback: visit the site

  • Pingback: San Diego Electrician

  • Pingback: dr dre beats

  • Pingback: General Contractor Tulsa

  • Pingback: Wholesale chocolate coins

  • Pingback: dr dre headphones

  • Pingback: seo services uk

  • Pingback: taux de crédit immo

  • Pingback: online casino

  • Pingback: sky landers

  • Pingback: crédit

  • Pingback: Senior alert systems

  • Pingback: natural herpes cure

  • Pingback: medical alert systems

  • Pingback: pre-purchase building inspection adelaide hills

  • Pingback: riverside steel cincinnati ohio

  • Pingback: Edina Homes

  • Pingback: #makemoneyonline

  • Pingback: Compare mortgage rates

  • Pingback: credit card processing

  • Pingback: Seattle chiropractic treatment

  • Pingback: knit hats

  • Pingback: webpage

  • Pingback: click the next website

  • Pingback: Real Estate

  • Pingback: xbox 360 adapters

  • Pingback: villa koh samui

  • Pingback: PS3 Accessories

  • Pingback: Free ECigarette

  • Pingback: remote pc service

  • Pingback: business class flights

  • Pingback: crédit auto pas très cher

  • Pingback: karl smith

  • Pingback: Sensa

  • Pingback: Real Estate Treasure Map

  • Pingback: meble kolonialne warszawa

  • Pingback: courier service

  • Pingback: castors

  • Pingback: My Homepage

  • Pingback: cheap sex toy

  • Pingback: wedding limo rental nyc

  • Pingback: wedding limo rental nj

  • Pingback: party bus

  • Pingback: bad breath

  • Pingback: bad breath

  • Pingback: Ogden Foreclosures

  • Pingback: wedding party bus rental nyc

  • Pingback: bad breath

  • Pingback: foul breath

  • Pingback: bad breath

  • Pingback: EpileGIN

  • Pingback: leAThER-ToUCH

  • Pingback: sOFa

  • Pingback: Limousine

  • Pingback: Mold Remediation San Diego

  • Pingback: payday loans

  • Pingback: Odish Food Diary

  • Pingback: medifast coupons

  • Pingback: one time IM offer

  • Pingback: how to get skinny fast

  • Pingback: limo rental

  • Pingback: limo

  • Pingback: lead generation for dentists

  • Pingback: hot images|love

  • Pingback: uk best directories

  • Pingback: pudendal neuralgia defenition

  • Pingback: fatcow web hosting review

  • Pingback: payday loans

  • Pingback: San Francisco airport Transportation

  • Pingback: payday loan

  • Pingback: unusual pregnancy symptoms

  • Pingback: Fabrika Taşıma

  • Pingback: black hair products

  • Pingback: bread recipes

  • Pingback: make an iphone app online

  • Pingback: appliance repair

  • Pingback: appliance repair

  • Pingback: dog training books

  • Pingback: healthy food portions

  • Pingback: social media online training

  • Pingback: surfing best

  • Pingback: purchase hcg

  • Pingback: wedding inspiration

  • Pingback: hiresome one

  • Pingback: buy facebook poker chips

  • Pingback: Chung Violett

  • Pingback: for unbiased mortgage broker

  • Pingback: repair

  • Pingback: Buy Dental Insurance

  • Pingback: repair

  • Pingback: repair

  • Pingback: Brindes Personalizados Brasilia

  • Pingback: ArcheAge Power Leveling

  • Pingback: body toning

  • Pingback: landlord insurance

  • Pingback: gaming desktop reviews

  • Pingback: united way day of caring

  • Pingback: cash advance

  • Pingback: cash advance las vegas

  • Pingback: 500 fast advance

  • Pingback: falling hair

  • Pingback: online payday loans

  • Pingback: payday loans online

  • Pingback: pictures

  • Pingback: payday loans direct lender

  • Pingback: building inspections adelaide hills

  • Pingback: raspberry ketones max review

  • Pingback: cash advance loans

  • Pingback: istanbul escort bayan

  • Pingback: Cara Membuat Mie

  • Pingback: cash advance houston

  • Pingback: payday loans las vegas

  • Pingback: casino.com

  • Pingback: HCG Diet Programs

  • Pingback: aspartan

  • Pingback: tarot

  • Pingback: seo

  • Pingback: massage parlor

  • Pingback: must have item

  • Pingback: plantas purificadoras de agua

  • Pingback: natural colon cleanse

  • Pingback: Go here

  • Pingback: florida web design

  • Pingback: ireland driving school

  • Pingback: Loans

  • Pingback: Recetas de cocina paso a paso

  • Pingback: Godaddy promo code

  • Pingback: togel

  • Pingback: Wisconsin Democrat

  • Pingback: Brindes Promocionais Em Porto Alegre

  • Pingback: Time and expense

  • Pingback: atlanta web design firm

  • Pingback: online payday loan

  • Pingback: save money

  • Pingback: забор анализов

  • Pingback: Gay speed dating london

  • Welcome

    Welcome to Inside Northwestern, your independent source for the most coverage and analysis on NU football, basketball and recruiting.
  • Latest Tweets

    • @insidenu
    • Derek Kief's "speed does kill," which somehow relates to #Northwestern joining his top five: http://t.co/5MvDXh6Pio about 6 hours ago from Twitter for Mac
    • PM RT: 2014 CB Parrker Westphal says #Northwestern is one of his "favorite" schools: http://t.co/NWCBVhfbW8 about 7 hours ago from Twitter for Mac
    • Lots of recruiting board updates recently. Check them out here: http://t.co/86sUqGbc5P #Northwestern about 7 hours ago from Twitter for Mac
    • @NotSE1851 They could all definitely choose NU, no doubt about it. But all three will be difficult. about 7 hours ago from Twitter for Mac in reply to NotSE1851
    • @NotSE1851 I think that would be NU's dream scenario. Gonna be mighty tough to get Westphal, Dickerson and Lee. about 7 hours ago from Twitter for Mac in reply to NotSE1851
  • Schedules

    • 2013 Football
    • 2012-13 Basketball

    Aug. 31 — at California
    Sept. 7 — vs. Syracuse
    Sept. 14 — vs. Western Michigan
    Sept. 21 — vs. Maine
    Oct. 5 — vs. Ohio State
    Oct. 12 — at Wisconsin
    Oct. 19 — vs. Minnesota
    Oct. 26 — at Iowa
    Nov. 2 — at Nebraska
    Nov. 16 — vs. Michigan
    Nov. 23 — vs. Michigan State
    Nov. 30 — at Illinois

    Nov. 7 — vs. Chicago (W, 70-46)
    Nov. 13 — vs. Texas Southern (W, 79-49)
    Nov. 15 — vs. Mississippi Valley State (W, 81-68)
    Nov. 18 — vs. Fairleigh Dickinson (W, 80-53)
    Nov. 20 — vs. Delaware State (W, 69-50)
    Nov. 23 — vs. TCU (W, 55-31)
    Nov. 24 — vs. Illinois State (W, 72-69)
    Nov. 27 — vs. Maryland (L, 77-57)
    Dec. 1 — vs. UIC (L, 50-44)
    Dec. 4 — at Baylor (W, 74-70)
    Dec. 8 — vs. Butler (L, 74-65)
    Dec. 17 — vs. Texas State (W, 74-68)
    Dec. 21 — vs. Stanford (L, 70-68)
    Dec. 23 — vs. Brown (W, 63-42)
    Jan. 3 — vs. Michigan (L, 94-66)
    Jan. 6 — at Minnesota (L, 69-51)
    Jan. 10 — at Penn State (W, 70-54)
    Jan. 13 — vs. Iowa (L, 70-50)
    Jan. 17 — at Illinois (W, 68-54)
    Jan. 20 — vs. Indiana (L, 67-59)
    Jan. 23 — vs. Minnesota (W, 55-48)
    Jan. 26 — at Nebraska (L, 64-49)
    Jan. 30 — at Michigan (L, 68-46)
    Feb. 2 — vs. Purdue (W, 75-60)
    Feb. 9 — at Iowa (L, 71-57)
    Feb. 14 — at Ohio State (L, 69-59)
    Feb. 17 — vs. Illinois (L, 62-41)
    Feb. 20 — vs. Wisconsin (L, 69-41)
    Feb. 24 — at Purdue (L, 74-43)
    Feb. 28 — vs. Ohio State (L, 63-53)
    March 7 — vs. Penn State (L, 66-59)
    March 10 — at Michigan State (L, 71-61)
    March 14 — vs. Iowa (L, 73-59)

  • Links

    • Wildcat Links
    • Big Ten Blogroll

    InsideNU on Facebook
    InsideNU on Twitter
    InsideNU on YouTube
    Lake The Posts
    Northwestern Wildside
    Hail to Purple
    NU Highlights
    Purple Wildcats
    Wildcat Report
    Sippin on Purple
    NBN Sports
    Wildcat Extra

    ESPN Big Ten Blog
    Inside The Hall
    The Champaign Room
    Black Heart Gold Pants
    Hawkeye Nation
    Hawkeye Drive
    M Go Blog
    UM Hoops
    The Only Colors
    From The Barn
    Husker Online
    Corn Nation
    Eleven Warriors
    Black Shoe Diaries
    Hammer and Rails
    Bucky's 5th Quarter

  • Recruiting

    2014 Football Recruiting Board
    2014 Basketball Recruiting Board

  • 2014 Football Commit Tracker

    S Jordan Thomas
    QB Clayton Thorson
    OLB Cameron Queiro
    DT Ben Oxley
    WR Solomon Vault
    OT Tommy Doles
    WR Dareian Watkins
    RB Auston Anderson
    RB Justin Jackson
    OT Blake Hance

  • © 2013 Inside Northwestern