PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Nick Fitzgerald finally seems to be settling into Moorhead’s offensive system and has thrown the ball better of late. On Saturday against Arkansas, Fitzgerald accounted for five touchdowns, including four through the air.
–S Johnathan Abram has been forced to play the STAR position the past two weeks due to an injury to Jaquarius Landrews but has excelled off the edge. Abram made a career-high 12 tackles to go along with 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery against the Razorbacks.
–CB Chris Rayford has a role in the Bulldogs’ secondary but it is on special teams where he really shines. Rayford has a knack for downing punts inside the 5-yard line but against Arkansas he was credited with forcing and recovering a fumble from the punter at the 4-yard line.
–WR Austin Williams only made two catches last weekend but made them both count. Williams hauled in touchdowns of 19 and 33-yards to give him three in his first year on the field.
SERIES HISTORY: Ole Miss leads 64-44-6 overall and 23-12-3 in Oxford.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It is going to be a heck of a challenge in this game, one we are very excited for. It is a huge game. The Battle for the Golden Egg.” — MSU coach Joe Moorhead.
