Ole Miss Rebels vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Week 13 Opponent Preview
The Rebels wrap up the regular season on Thanksgiving Day against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs are in a bit of disarray after the firing of first-year head coach Zach Arnett last week, while the team is mired in a 5-6 season with just one SEC win under its belt.
Arnett made the transition from defensive coordinator to head coach after the death of Mike Leach, but things never really clicked. Quarterback Will Rogers dealt with injuries all season, hampering the offense, and we never saw the aggressive and experienced defense.
Greg Knox took over as interim head coach - his second stint as such - and kept his perfect record intact after a 41-20 win over in-state rival Southern Miss on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium. He went 1-0 in the role after Dan Mullen’s departure in 2017 and kept his winning percentage at 1.000 on Saturday.
Will Rogers
© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
Mississippi State. Bulldogs
2023 Record: 5-6 (1-6 SEC)
Head Coach: Greg Knox (Interim)
Knox is in his second stint as interim coach of the Bulldogs and is 2-0 in that capacity.
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. This year, he's dealt with injuries and it has hurt the offense. Rogers has played in just seven games - returning last week after a four-game absence. In 2023, he's completed 117 of 198 passes (59.1 percent) for 1,419 yards and 12 touchdowns to four interceptions.
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. He was also proficient through the air with 48 catches for another 288 yards. In 2023, Marks has been equally effective, with 534 yards on 109 carries with four touchdowns. He's also caught 19 passes for 153 yards and another two scores.
Receiving: Lideatick Griffin - Sr
Griffin was the leading returning receiver with 40 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. Now, as the featured receiver, he's improved those numbers. In 2023, the senior has caught 45 balls for 620 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive Leaders
Tackles: LB Jett Johnson - Sr
2023 stats: 117 total tackles, 45 solo, six sacks, three interceptions, one pass defended, and two forced fumbles.
Interceptions: S Shawn Preston Jr - Sr
2023 stats: Tied for the team lead with three interceptions, along with 51 total tackles, 23 solo, one pass defended and two forced fumbles.
Sacks: LB Nathaniel Watson - Sr
2023 stats: 10 sacks, 116 total tackles, 33 solo, one interception, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended.
