Rebels vs. Bulldogs: Week 13 Opponent Preview
The Ole Miss Rebels wrap up the regular season on Nov. 23 against Mississippi State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Bulldogs will be starting a new era for 2023 as Zach Arnett begins his first season at the helm as head coach.
Arnett makes the transition from defensive coordinator to head coach and is helped by the return of quarterback Will Rogers and his aggressive and experienced defense. The offense could see some growing pains since they're transitioning from Mike Leach's Air Raid style to a more balanced attack.
Kevin Barbay takes over as the Bulldogs' offensive coordinator and will bring a much different-looking offense than Mississippi State fans are used to seeing. Because of this, the defense should be the strength of the team in 2023. Matt Brock has been promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator, and very little should change from a season ago scheme-wise.
Mississippi State. Bulldogs
2022 Record: 9-4 (4-4 SEC)
Head Coach: Zach Arnett
Arnett begins his first season as the head coach of the Bulldogs.
Returning Offensive Leaders
Passing: Will Rogers - Sr
Last season, Rogers completed 415 passes on 610 attempts for 3,974 yards and 35 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He completed the season with a 139.1 passer rating.
Rushing: Jo'Quavioius Marks - Sr
Marks carried the ball 113 times last season for 582 yards for a 5.2-yard per carry average while scoring nine touchdowns. Marks was also proficient through the air with 48 catches for another 288 yards.
Receiving: Lideatick Griffin - Sr
With Rara Thomas - last year's leader in receiving yards - transferring to Georgia, and Rufus Harvey entering the portal, Griffin is the leading returning receiver with 40 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns from a season ago.
Returning Defensive Leaders
Tackles: LB Jett Johnson - Graduate Student
2022 stats: 115 total tackles, 48 solo, two sacks, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles
Interceptions: LB Nathaniel Watson - Graduate Student
2022 stats: One interception for 51 yards, one forced fumble, six sacks for 47 yards, 113 total tackles
Sacks: LB Nathaniel Watson - Graduate Student
2022 stats: One interception for 51 yards, one forced fumble, six sacks for 47 yards, 113 total tackles
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