Mississippi State’s defensive backfield has been a constant concern for fans that follow the maroon and white over the last few months. Specifically, State fans have grown worried about the Bulldog cornerbacks and the lack of depth and SEC experience among them. Surveying the sidelines pregame and spotting newcomer Jett Jefferson on a scooter with […]
Mississippi State’s defensive backfield has been a constant concern for fans that follow the maroon and white over the last few months.
Specifically, State fans have grown worried about the Bulldog cornerbacks and the lack of depth and SEC experience among them. Surveying the sidelines pregame and spotting newcomer Jett Jefferson on a scooter with his leg wrapped didn’t bring anymore comfort to Bulldog fans and the group would be tested on Saturday at Southern Miss.
Starting corners Kelley Jones and DeAgo Brumfield passed the test with flying colors as the two combined to breakup four passes. Jones gave up one reception on one-on-one coverage on a great effort from the receiver in tight defense, but it was otherwise an incredibly productive day for Corey Bell’s group.
“Competed really well. Both guys did. They played well and I look for them to have this huge amount of growth here over these next couple of weeks,” head coach Jeff Lebby said of his starting corners. “Those guys getting on the field, DeAgo hasn’t played a bunch here, obviously just four games last year. Then Kelley is just starting to come on. Excited about Jayven (Williams) and where he’s at and where he’s going as much as anything. We are going to need all three of those guys to play good football.”
Brumfield, Jones step up when needed
Brumfield made his healthy return to the field after missing the bulk of last season and he rose to the occasion playing more snaps than anyone on the defense. Jones was the third-highest rated defensive player according to Pro Football Focus and looked the part of a CB1 in the SEC.
The rest of the defense took notice as well. Other defenders have watched the effort put in by Jones and Brumfield in the offseason and for guys like Brylan Lanier who had to move around the defense out of necessity last season, it was a relief.
“Those guys were out there by themselves holding it down and that was great,” Lanier said of the corners. “I could do my job focusing on the run or focus on the tight end or slot receiver because I know those guys are going to do what they’ve got to do every play.”
Not to be outdone, State’s safeties logged a strong day as well.
With Isaac Smith playing a lot around the line of scrimmage and in the middle of the defense at Sam linebacker, Lanier, Hunter Washington, Tanner Johnson and others had to man the back end and they did it well.
Lanier came through with his best game as a Bulldog. PFF had him grading out better than any player in the secondary with a 89.3 coverage grade and his 89.2 grade overall was second best on the team behind defensive end Will Whitson.
The former Alabama player was second on the team with six tackles and he would help steamroll the momentum in the third quarter when he had an interception early in the half that would continue to build State’s lead.
“We’ve been working a lot on rerouting and getting a hinge because we know they like the check downs,” Lanier said of the play development. “That’s exactly what I did and I made a play. It was a great feeling.”
Major test on the way for corners and safeties
When the dust settled on the day, it was a productive outcome for a Bulldog team that had gone through a tumultuous season a year ago. A bit of that doubt crept in again in the first half as USM hung around in the middle of a 10-10 ball game, but the defense would bear down and pitch a shutout until a garbage time touchdown in the final minute.
After surrendering just 199 passing yards and picking off a pass against the preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year in Braylon Braxton, the locker room was celebratory after the game. Lebby wanted his team to enjoy the fruits of their labor and they did just that.
Now, it’s time to turn the page. The Bulldogs have No. 11 Arizona State coming to Davis Wade Stadium for the home opener on Saturday night (6:30 p.m. ESPN2) and great preparation will be needed to continue to win.
“It was great energy. Those guys were lit,” Lanier said of the postgame. “We’re going to celebrate and have a day off (Sunday), then we wipe it and go 1-0 again. We’ve got the blackout and we’re playing Arizona (State). Those guys beat us last year so we’ve got to go get the win. First game at home, we’ve got to get that win.”
Category: General Sports
