Bulldogs look to stay sharp on defense
Friday afternoon's bowl practice debut at Mississippi State looked a little different than it has the past nine season and even from practice just a few short weeks ago.
Dan Mullen was, of course, absent, and most of his staff has started to filter out as offensive coaches Billy Gonzales and John Hevesy have already joined him in Florida. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is there as well leaving a void on that side of the football.
It hasn't changed how the Bulldog players have gone about their business. Ron English is running things on the defensive side as the safeties coach is using his experience as both a head coach and defensive coordinator to keep the defense rolling.
“It's the same standard," MSU sophomore defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons said. "We have the same motto – fast, physical and aggressive. Coach English did a great job before we went out (Friday) telling us that we were going to get this thing rolling. From what I saw, it was a great first day.”
The challenge ahead for the Bulldogs is as great as they've faced this year at the quarterback position. Coming to the TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., on December 30 will be Louisville's high-powering offense led by quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson has set college football on fire the last three seasons. He won the Heisman trophy last season and is a finalist again this year for the nation's most prestigious award. It's been something that the coaches have been planning for the last week and have started to implement to the players in the first couple of days.
“He is special,” Knox said of Jackson. “(Friday) was day one to look at Lamar Jackson. Our guys know of him and I think they consider it a challenge, (but) a great opportunity for them. A lot of NFL scouts will be watching so it's a great opportunity for everybody on our defense.”
Ask MSU's top pass rusher about Jackson and he starts to salivate.
First team All-Southeastern Conference defensive end Montez Sweat was among the leaders in the conference with his 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. His debut season as a Bulldog was a strong one as he had 44 tackles to go along with his edge work.
“I'm very excited," Sweat said. "He's a Heisman candidate and a Heisman winner and probably the best quarterback I've gone against this year. I'm very excited for the challenge.”
Simmons has been challenging Sweat for the sack total all season but at his nose guard post. Also finishing with first team honors,
tackles, had 11 tackles for loss and finished second with 4.5 sacks.
Both Simmons and Sweat will both be looking to make some noise against the Heisman candidate before the New Year rings in at Florida.
“This game is going to be won in the trenches,” Simmons said. “They have a lot of size up front, but if we play our game like we have this season, we should be able to control (Jackson) in this game.”