Just a Phase...

Hello. Welcome. Watch this and then come back...

Outstanding work, no? Now then... Congratulations are in order as the Bulldogs managed to pull their collective act together and come away from a potential let-down game with a W. UAB proved to be almost more than MSU could handle, but the Bulldogs came away with a win thanks to some really solid work in the kicking game.

This week is special, not just because the Bulldogs are 6-2 in October and bowl eligible with 4 games left to improve their bowl stock, but because it's also Halloween! This is probably my favorite holiday... it started when I was a kid ("Wait... everyone we know is just GIVING AWAY CANDY?!") but now it's more about dressing up as someone completely different, or not even real, and stepping outside yourself for a night. People tend to relax a little more, let their guard down, and just generally have a good time.

So in honor of Halloween and all the ZombieDawgs that will be at the game this weekend, this week's song is...

BREAKING BENJAMIN - PHASE

Out of the ground I rise to grace.
Nobody knows it's just a phase.
Help me I'm out of breath again,
Nobody knows somewhere to make it go away...

It's just a phase,
And I can't wait...
Phase,
Phase,
Phase,
Phase.
I know, I know, I know...
iI's just a fucking phase!

IM DRAINED TIME TO FAKE AND DELAY!
WATCH THE PENNY DROP,
LET IT GO UP AND IN DROP,
THEN WATCH IT ROLL LET’S
ALL MOURN TILL I SURVIVE INSIDE YOU!

The opponent this week is a surly Kentucky Wildcats team that knocked off a talented South Carolina team a week after they defeated #1 Alabama. The 'Cats are sitting at 4-4 (1-4) and look to grab a much needed win to keep heading towards bowl eligibility. If the Bulldogs want to win this one they will need to stay focused for the entire game, because these 'Cats have some talents that could surprise you. That wasn't one of them, though...

KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - Part of the Bulldogs' lack-luster performance last week can be attributed to missing some key players. Center J.C. Brignone missed the first half, while top RB Vick Ballard was held out of the entire game due to a sprained ankle sustained the week before. In Ballard's absence LaDarius Perkins pulled the majority of the running duties and performed admirably. Derek DePasquale's five field goals in last week's win over UAB gives MSU some confidence in their kicking game, as well.
Most, if not all, of the missing players last week will return to see playing time this week, so the key here is execution. Kentucky's running defense is weak to say the least, so look for MSU to pound the ball early and often.

DEFENSE - The offensive threat from Kentucky will mostly be in the air this week, especially with news that top Wildcats running back Derrick Locke will not make the trip this weekend due to a nagging shoulder injury. The problem is if the Bulldogs are susceptible to an offensive attack, it's through the air. The UAB QB lit the MSU secondary up pretty much all night. Our secondary must be up to the challenge if they want to keep the game in hand.

BOTTOM LINE -
On paper it looks like a fairly favorable match-up, but will the Bulldogs remain focused now that they know they're bowl-bound? A slip up here, loss of concentration there, and there could be some unhappy Dogs in Starkville. MSU must stay focused, and continue their outstanding streak of not turning the ball over to win this battle.

WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 41 UK 21

REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 28 UK 24