Report card: Mississippi State football gets an incomplete grade for field trip to Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. — It was another incomplete performance for Mississippi State football. Against Arizona, MSU was sloppy in key spots.
But the Bulldogs (2-0) did enough to win Saturday, with a final score of 39-17, just like they did Week 1 against Memphis.
Here is how the Clarion Ledger's grades MSU's phases in the victory.
Offense: B-
Mississippi State often ran the right plays and ran them successfully. The Bulldogs established the run early, and Will Rogers made crucial passes despite faulty receiver play.
But three turnovers limited MSU. Their owns mistakes kept the Bulldogs from pulling away when the opportunities were there.
However, Mississippi State doesn’t score more than 30 points in these performances early in Mike Leach’s tenure. The Bulldogs have done so in twice despite sloppy performances in 2022.
More:Breaking down Mississippi State football's 39-17 Week 2 win at Arizona
Defense: B+
To counter the turnovers by the offense, Mississippi State’s defense intercepted Jayden de Laura three times. Led by linebackers Jett Johnson, Tyrus Wheat and Nathaniel Watson, MSU simmered momentum in its first road game.
But the Bulldogs could’ve recorded at least two more sacks against Arizona (1-1). Missed tackles were an issue again for a defense, with only 27 sacks last season and one in Week 1.
Special teams: C-
Massimo Biscardi missed two extra points. Kicking was an issue Mississippi State focused on heavily in the offseason, and Biscardi brought back nerves in Tucson.
Ben Raybon saved MSU from a failing grade by stepping in and making two field goals. It appears he’ll be the starting kicker until he proves unworthy.
Coaching: B
Leach has shown a willingness to establish the running game in the first half of both games. He’s also made the right calls on when to take a deep shot in the passing game.
He should have leaned on the running game more in the fourth quarter with a chance to put the game away.
Despite failure to complete tackles, defensive coordinator Zach Arnett’s disguises were creating havoc for de Laura. He utilized Wheat in the pass rush and also disguised pressure with him before dropping him in pass coverage.
Mississippi State prides itself on its depth. But in the biggest situations, both coaches had their best players make plays.
Overall: B
It was everything a Pac-12 After Dark game requires. There was sloppy play, turnovers and poor kicking. But Mississippi State held on.
Like Week 1, Mississippi State didn’t look dominant for four quarters. But on a Saturday flooded with upsets, the Bulldogs stayed on track.
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Grading Mississippi State football's turnover-filled win at Arizona
