This Saturday, the Mississippi State Bulldogs will kick off their football season with a home game against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. As the Bulldogs prepare for this matchup, a key focus will be on the improvements made to both their offensive and defensive lines during the offseason.
The Warhawks, who struggled significantly last season with a 3-9 overall record and a dismal 1-7 in the Sun Belt Conference, will present a challenge for Mississippi State. Despite their last-place finish in the West division, Louisiana-Monroe has elements that could surprise observers this year.
Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby anticipates that Louisiana-Monroe will adopt a run-first strategy in their offensive approach. “I would imagine they’re going to be a run-first football team,” said Lebby. “I don’t know that, but as we get into it, we’ll get a great feel of who they are.” This prediction aligns with the Warhawks' recent trend under new head coach Bryant Vincent, who has emphasized a ground game, running the ball 59.5% of the time since taking over.
New offensive coordinator Jesse Montalto is expected to implement a scheme that incorporates more run-pass options, which could further enhance their running game. Leading this effort will be third-year quarterback Aidan Armenta, supported by running backs Don Chaney, a transfer from Louisville, and Derrick Jameson, who comes from Utah State. This trio will face a Mississippi State defense that had its struggles last season, allowing an SEC-high average of 186.3 rushing yards per game.
Coach Lebby highlighted the importance of a strong performance from the Bulldogs' defensive line, emphasizing the need to disrupt the Warhawks' offensive flow. “We’re going to need to play really well in all three phases,” he noted. “I think from a defensive line standpoint, playing on the other side of the line of scrimmage, causing great knock-back, and having the ability to create negative plays will be a huge part of it.”
On the other side of the ball, Mississippi State's offensive line will also be under scrutiny, especially as they face two of Louisiana-Monroe's standout defenders. Linebacker Noah Flemmings, who led the Warhawks with 80 total tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, will be a key player to watch. He will be joined by Marcus Ross, who contributed 35 total tackles and two sacks last year. Together, they form a formidable defensive duo that the Bulldogs’ offensive line must effectively counter, especially after allowing an SEC-leading 45 sacks in the previous season.
The anticipation builds as the Bulldogs and Warhawks prepare to face off, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on ESPNU, marking the beginning of what Mississippi State hopes will be a successful season.
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