Russell and Offense Dominate Late, but Defense Earns Win in MSU Scrimmage

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) — Senior quarterback Tyler Russell looked comfortable and consistent leading the first string offense, but the defense used a quick start to claim victory in Mississippi State’s first spring scrimmage here at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday.

(AP Photo)
Senior quarterback Tyler Russell completed the first scrimmage of the spring throwing for 307 yards and 6 touchdowns.

“Both the offense and the defense did some really good things,” head coach Dan Mullen said. “We were a little sloppy early and the pace wasn’t what it needed to be on offense, but you saw when we got some momentum and confidence the offense looked much better.

“The defense did a good job of creating negative plays early and really put the offense in some tough down and distance situations. Overall, it was a good day of work.”

The Bulldogs worked for more than two hours on Saturday, focusing on several different situations. Both the first and second string offenses struggled early before finally getting on the board with a 48-yard field goal by Devon Bell. The Tyler Russell-led first string then put together several scoring drives, and Russell finished the day with six touchdown passes. Russell finished the scrimmage with 307 yards passing unofficially and 6 touchdowns.

Russell’s top target was junior Jameon Lewis, who continues to become a possible No. 1 option for the senior quarterback this season. Lewis completed the scrimmage with 9 receptions for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Mississippi State will return to the practice fields on Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. and will work on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week before a 3 p.m. Friday scrimmage at Davis Wade Stadium. Spring practices, all open to fans, will continue until the Maroon-White Spring Game on April 20 at 1 p.m.