Rice vs. Mississippi State
December 31
Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN)
Rice Season Review
Rice started their season in the infamous nationally televised game when against Texas A&M when Johnny Manziel was suspended for the first half for the autograph scandal, then promptly received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. After that loss, though, Rice had an incredibly successful season, finishing 10-2 and winning the Conference-USA championship.
Rice’s successful season was led behind a successful rushing attack. Charles Ross rushed for 1,252 yards and 14 touchdowns, and quarterback Taylor McHargue rushed for another 466 and five scores, on top of throwing for 2,261 yards and tossing 17 touchdowns.
The Owls also finished 23rd in total defense nationally, so they’ve also shown an ability to slow down opponents and give their offense good field position.
Mississippi State Season Review
Unlike Rice, Mississippi State had a disappointing season, finishing 6-6. However, much of that could be attributed to their incredibly difficult schedule. 5 of their six losses came to teams that entered the matchup ranked (Oklahoma State, LSU, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Alabama). Their only loss to an unranked opponent? National title-bound Auburn.
The Bulldogs also had to deal with injuries, especially to quarterback Tyler Russell, running back LaDarius Perkins and safety Nickoe Whitley.
Game Matchup
Who can Control the Line of Scrimmage?: Rice finished 55th in rushing defense and Mississippi State finished 49th. Both teams have solid rushing attacks, but which team will be able to control the ball?
It will be pertinent that Rice has this advantage, especially against an SEC opponent. The Bulldogs also have the advantage of having the talented left guard, Gabe Jackson, opening running lanes.
Jordan Taylor vs. Bulldog secondary: Taylor has had a great season and put himself on the map as a draft prospect, with 54 receptions, 846 yards and eight touchdowns.
Taylor had a field day against the Texas A&M secondary, and can be a matchup nightmare. He will be crucial to opening up the Owl offense and allowing them to be more creative and mix up the play-calling.
Predicted Winner: Mississippi State
Draft Impact
Gabe Jackson (OG, Mississippi State): Jackson is an absolute mauler in the middle. He is massive and does a great job in run blocking, opening lanes for the Bulldog backs. Jackson is competing to be the first guard taken in April, along with Cyril Richardson of Baylor and David Yankey of Stanford.
LaDarius Perkins (RB, Mississippi State): Perkins had a rough season due to injuries, and his power style of running may not fit how the NFL is moving to pass-happy, spread-like systems. However, he will find a home in the late rounds, similar to former Bulldog Vick Ballard.
Benardrick McKinney (DE/OLB, Mississippi State): McKinney’s stock has gained a lot of steam in recent weeks, as rumors have flown around that he is set to declare this week, just after finishing his redshirt sophomore season. McKinney has great length at 6’5”, and has the frame to add more weight, as he is currently only 235 pounds. He has shown a great skillset as a pass rusher and has the potential to be scheme-versatile.
Nickoe Whitley (S, Mississippi State): Whitley is next-in-line to move from the Bulldog secondary to the NFL, after Darius Slay and Johnthan Banks were second round picks last April. Whitley is aggressive in run defense and shows good coverage skills, and will likely be a mid-round pick.
Jordan Taylor (WR, Rice): Taylor has great size for a receiver (6’5”, 210) and has shown good hands and a nice catch radius. He is only a junior, and will likely return to school, considering how deep the 2014 receiving class is.
Phillip Gaines (CB, Rice): Gaines has proven to be a ballhawk, totaling 36 deflected passes and four interceptions in his career as an Owl.