Mississippi State (1-2) at Georgia Tech (2-1)

Mississippi State at Georgia Tech, Sept. 20 — This nonconference game has plenty of importance for State, as it'll need to show that it can put together an offensive performance — any offense will do — after its 3-2 loss to Auburn Saturday. Problem is, its normally tough defense will be taxed unlike it has been all year.

It's an intriguing matchup between a pair of SEC and ACC programs trying to take a step up the totem pole in their respective conferences.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

DE Tim Bailey — Discipline is the key to defending the triple option, he said. As a senior leader, he'll play an important part in ensuring the Bulldogs keep that up.

RB Christian Ducre — If Anthony Dixon (groin) is out, he'll be the guy who will have to carry the load against Georgia Tech. Making it tougher is Tech's strong defensive front.

RB Robert Elliott — Croom said he'll play much more this week, and that's welcome news for fans wanting an explosive offense. Elliott's strength is his speed and ability to stretch the field.

QB Josh Nesbitt — The sophomore has extremely deceptive elusiveness and is improving play by play in orchestrating the option. He set a school rushing record by a quarterback with his 28-carry, 151-yard performance against Virginia Tech.

DE Michael Johnson — The 6-foot-7 senior is Tech's top pro prospect. He's a gifted athlete capable of pressuring from the edge and dropping back in coverage zone-blitz schemes.

B-back Jonathan Dwyer — Virginia Tech focused and pounded on Dwyer, who had to leave the game with a bruised back in the second half. He returned but would finish with just 28 yards on 10 carries.

Dwyer's health will play a big factor against Mississippi State.