KEY BULLDOG
Josh Robinson, tailback
It’s time for Robinson to get rolling again. After ripping off a Southeastern Conference-leading 889 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in MSU’s first seven games, Robinson has rushed for 134 yards and one touchdown in MSU’s past three games. That includes 33- and 37-yard performances against Tennessee-Martin and Alabama. At Alabama, Robinson carried the ball 12 times as MSU was held to a season-low in rushing yards.
Against Vanderbilt, Robinson should have plenty of room to run. Vanderbilt’s defense ranks 11th in the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards allowed. The Commodores have allowed 19 rushing touchdowns, which is 12th in the league. For an MSU offense that has relied on the legs of quarterback Dak Prescott — 22 carries, 87 yards in Tuscaloosa, Alabama — a re-emergence of Robinson will be crucial against Vanderbilt and against Ole Miss on Nov. 29.
KEY MATCHUP
MSU wide receivers against Vanderbilt’s defensive backs
Against Alabama, MSU’s wideouts were among the team’s bright spots. Helping Prescott throw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, the Bulldogs caught a season-high 27 passes, led by sophomore De’Runnya Wilson, who turned in an eight-catch, 91-yard performance.
On the other side, Vanderbilt is 11th in the league in pass yards allowed. The Commodores have four interceptions, which is last in the SEC.
STATISTIC TO WATCH
Balance.
When MSU’s offense has been at its best, it has been because of balance. The Bulldogs rank third in the SEC in passing offense (271.7 yards per game) and rushing offense (232.8), and they lead the league in total offense at 504.1 yards per contest. But Alabama held MSU’s rushing offense in check and forced the Bulldogs to rely on Prescott and the passing game. That resulted in 290 yards and two scores, but it also included a season-high three interceptions. For MSU’s offense to operate at maximum capacity, the Bulldogs must get back to being a balanced attack.
WHAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Prescott’s decision-making
After cruising through an earlier stretch of wins against then-No. 8 LSU, then-No. 6 Texas A&M, and then-No. 2 Auburn with two interceptions, Prescott has thrown six interceptions in the past three conference games.
SURPRISE BULLDOG
Robert Johnson, wide receiver
Against a defense that has struggled defending the run and the pass, this distinction could go to almost any Bulldog. But MSU coach Dan Mullen knows his environment, and with Saturday’s game being the last at Davis Wade Stadium for six senior offensive starters, look for Mullen to get those players involved early and often. That means Johnson, a fifth-year senior who has 11 catches and a touchdown, could be in line for at least one end zone target this weekend.
VANDERBILT PLAYER TO WATCH
Caleb Azubike, linebacker
Although he has played in only seven games, Azubike has been the Commodores’ most reliable defender. He has 36 tackles and a team-best four sacks.
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