Mississippi State Holds First Belk Bowl Practice in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – Mississippi State football arrived in Charlotte Christmas night and then went through its first practice at Ardrey Kell High School on Saturday afternoon in preparation for Wednesday’s Belk Bowl matchup against NC State.

The Bulldogs made the one-hour charter flight from Golden Triangle Regional Airport to Charlotte, checked into their hotel and spent most of Saturday morning going through meetings and a walk through. Following practice, the team took in the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies NBA contest uptown.

(Kelly Price/MSU Athletics)

Saturday’s practice was the first for MSU since Dec. 19. They will go through two more practices this week and a walk through Tuesday at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff for Wednesday’s contest is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN and WatchESPN.com.

“We got everybody up sweating, moving, stretching,” said MSU head coach Dan Mullen. “It’s Tuesday of a game week right here. We start over even though we’ve done it all once, reviewed it once. I thought everybody came out with a pretty positive attitude out here today, guys are working and getting ready to go.”

Sunday’s schedule calls for a trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway where each player will get the ultimate NASCAR experience, including riding in a stock car. The squad will practice in the afternoon and have free time with their families in the evening.

“The key to a bowl game is understanding the importance of work and then separating experiencing the fun,” said Mullen. “Here they get to go to an NBA basketball game and a great downtown area. They just get to see something new that a lot of them have never experienced before. I think the setup here is as good as I’ve seen anywhere.”

In addition to Mullen addressing the media, quarterback Dak Prescott and cornerback Taveze Calhoun spoke. Below are their quotes:

QB Dak Prescott

On the opinion of his choice to return for his senior season…

“Smart. The decision I made was done hoping I wouldn’t regret it and I think I’ve done that. I feel like I’ve had a better year than I did last year from an individual standpoint and developing as a quarterback.”

On his preparedness level for the NFL after returning for his senior season…

“I think I’m a lot more prepared for the next level than I was at this time last year. I’m excited for where I am and I’m glad I made that decision.”

On what improvements he’s made in 2015…

“Everything from the position of a quarterback. Footwork, balance, making all the throws, pretty much everything.”

On what film has shown on the NC State defense…

“They’re a really good team. I think they’re a solid team all the way around. I think there are some areas in their defense that we can attack and we’ve game planned to do that, but overall they’re a good defense and play hard.”

CB Taveze Calhoun

On the challenge the defense faces going up against NC State…

“When you have that talent with the quarterback talent and the coaching it is always difficult and it’ll be a challenge. It’s not surprising to see their stats just because of the coaching and the talent that they have.”

On what separates Dak Prescott from other quarterbacks…

“Leadership. I’ve played with some talented guys who have played quarterback here, but he’s just a true leader and being a quarterback of the offense. None compare to him and that’s what separates him from every quarterback that’s ever played here.”