Auburn Football Opponent Scouting Report: Mississippi State Offense
Oct 4, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Beckwith (66) and offensive lineman Justin Malone (70) celebrate their teams win against the Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 48-31. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Line
If there is a weakness on the offense, it is the offensive line, however the unit has been solid so far in 2014. The Bulldogs lost their best player from the 2013 O-Line, Gabe Jackson, who is now a member of the Oakland Raiders, and the unit as a whole came into this season with far less experience than the 2013 starting five.
Left guard Ben Beckwith has been the star thus far in 2014, and he is already a two-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week award winner, and is the reigning recepient. The senior earned honors for his play in State’s two SEC victories over LSU and Texas A&M.
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Beckwith played center last week because senior center Dillon Day sat out against the Aggies because of an SEC-mandated suspension. Day was accused of stomping an LSU defensive player during the team’s previous game at Tiger Stadium, and though he denied doing anything on purpose, Day still missed time. He will be back in the starting lineup against Auburn this week, and it will be his 39th start.
Left tackle Blaine Clausell is the second most experienced member of MSU O-Line, and he will make his 35th career start Saturday. Justin Malone will start at right guard and Justin Senior is the right tackle. Both players have started each of the first five games this season in their respective spots. Devon Desper, who was the left guard against Texas A&M with Day out, is the top reserve.
Overall, the Mississippi State offensive line has paved the way for 272.6 rushing yards per game, and average of 5.6 yards per carry, and 13 touchdowns in 2014. However, opponents have sacked Bulldogs’ quarterbacks ten times across the first five games.
In all, the Mississippi State offense is solid from top to bottom, and will be the most complete unit Auburn has seen to date this season.