How can Arizona Football beat Mississippi State on the road?
Following the win over NAU, Arizona Football (1-0) will have a tougher challenge against Mississippi State (1-0), but here’s how they can beat the Bulldogs.
Week two of the 2023 Arizona Football season is upon us, and just one week after the Wildcats knocked off Northern Arizona, the Wildcats return to action against SEC foe, the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Coming in, Arizona enters this one as underdogs, and the Wildcats will have a significant challenge on their hands, especially as travel to a rowdy and raucous SEC environment.
Despite the Wildcats’ looking dominant against the Lumberjacks, they will have an even greater challenge that will provide a great litmus test to this team, particularly on defense. And if Arizona is going to win, they will have to play a clean, mistake-free game.
With that said, here are the keys for Arizona Football to knock off the Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Defense needs to get Stops
What was a constant theme with this group last season, Arizona’s defense was abysmal. And while they look to be improved in 2023, a lot is yet to be determined with this group as the Wildcats have not yet been tested.
And if they are to beat Mississippi State on the road, the Wildcats are going to have to show a modicum of improvement on defense from a season ago against the Bulldogs, otherwise, it is going to be a long day.
Not Getting too far behind, too Early
Like last season, Arizona cannot fall behind too far, too early. And to me, if Arizona is going to win on the road, they are going to need the momentum early on.
Should the Wildcats find themselves down against the Bulldogs early on, I do not like their chances of winning if they are having to chasing points.
Arizona will have to be ready to play and keep this one as competitive as possible if they hope to score the upset against Mississippi State.
Protect the Football
I know this goes without saying, but if Arizona hopes to beat Mississippi State on Saturday, then they need to take better care of the football.
The Wildcats are not good enough of a team to turn the ball over and still come away victorious. Should Jayden de Laura and the Wildcats make too many costly mistakes, then you can kiss their chances of getting the upset, goodbye.
Taking care of the football means an improved chance of winning.
Stopping the Run
Going hand-in-hand with the Wildcats needing to get stops on defense, more specifically, they need to be able to stop the run… or at least slow it down.
Last year, this was one of the more problematic areas for Arizona, so far, it is too early to tell if this group has improved or not. Northern Arizona didn’t show us much, other than Arizona was the more physically dominant and skilled football team.
If Arizona hopes to beat Mississippi State this weekend, they are going to have to do a better job at stopping/limiting the rushing attack. If they can do that, they have a chance to score the upset but if they can’t, it could be a long season for Arizona.
light. Related Story. Last-Minute Game Information Arizona Football vs Mississippi State
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