MSU's offensive line set for experienced opponent

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Last year's Louisiana Tech defense ranked 25th in the nation in tackles for a loss against FBS teams, 7th among Group of 5 conference teams, in averaging 6.46 per game. Authentic Pat Tillman Jersey,It also returns five defensive linemen responsible for 33 of those 88 tackles for a loss.

On Saturday, that unit could be a handful for a Mississippi State offensive line breaking in two new starters with the three familiar names taking on new positions. womens Hau'oli Kikaha Jersey, MSU coach Dan Mullen is well aware of the talent that's come from the Louisiana Tech defensive line in recent years -- Vernon Butler was drafted in the first round of the 2016 draft just a couple of years after Justin Ellis went in the fourth round -- but he also sees his own offensive line coming into Week Two as an improved product.

"A lot of good stuff to teach off of," Mullen said of what he saw from the unit against Charleston Southern. "There was some really quality, quality play,Authentic Stephone Anthony Jersey, quality work,then a little bit of inconsistencies at times, and that happens with young players. The good thing is you're getting reps and you can see this is the exact right way to do it."

In the things to learn from,Authentic Garrett Grayson Jersey,Mullen mentioned two false starts penalties that were attributed to right tackle Stewart Reese, making his first career start, that were actually due to an incorrectly timed snap. Mullen said that issue can be corrected in the week, but it's not going to be any easier at Louisiana Tech.

"We'll be different because for a lot of guys it will be their first time playing in a road game, playing in a hostile environment,womens Patrick Peterson Jersey," Mullen said.

The 2017 Louisiana Tech defense line is expected to be led by Jaylon Ferguson once again, whose 14.5 sacks last year were third nationally and 16 tackles for a loss last year were top 30.Authentic Larry Fitzgerald Jersey, In Louisiana Tech's season opening win against Northwestern State, four defensive linemen were credited with tackles for a loss: Jordan Bradford, Courtney Wallace, Deldrick Canty and Cedric Johnson. Canty was the second-best lineman on last year's team with 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.

MSU defensive lineman Braxton Hoyett did not play against Charleston Southern, but Mullen expects him to be ready to go against Louisiana Tech.

"He practiced (Sunday)," Mullen said. "It was close for the game,womens Stephone Anthony Jersey,he just didn't come along as quickly as we hoped he would. We expect everybody to play that is supposed to play."

MSU's interior defensive line play did not suffer in his absence: Jeffery Simmons notched five tackles and his first career sack,womens Garrett Grayson Jersey,Cory Thomas had four tackles and forced a fumble and Tre Brown had two tackles in the game's final minutes.

On the subject of wide receiver Malik Dear, Authentic Hau'oli Kikaha Jersey Mullen said MSU is a week or two away from making a decision on him. Dear injured his knee in the spring but Mullen has not officially ruled him out of playing in the 2017 season.

The three days between MSU's season opener and Tuesday's release of the Week Two depth chart was enough time for MSU to make four changes. ,'Authentic P.J. Williams Jersey,

The first was a matter of necessity,womens P.J. Williams Jersey, fellow junior college transfer Montez Sweat moved up to starting outside linebacker, removing defensive end Chauncey Rivers from the depth chart after Mullen announced Saturday he will require an academic redshirt. On the other side of the line, bumping Marquiss Spencer from first to second at the position. womens Pat Tillman Jersey,

The new depth chart had Gabe Myles listed as the leading punt returner;Authentic Patrick Peterson Jersey, he was not listed at the position before, Tucker Day was listed as the outright starter at place kicker, but he was the only Bulldog to return a punt against Charleston Southern. Finally, after previously being listed side-by-side with Jordan Lawless. Day missed two of his three attempts against Charleston Southern but Mullen said after the game he expects Day to treat it as a challenge and come back better.womens Larry Fitzgerald Jersey,