LOOKING GOOD
Despite a lack of help from the offense, the defense kept Mississippi State in the game, holding Maine to 256 total yards, and intercepting two passes.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK
The Bulldogs reached the red zone five times and came away with only seven points, blowing the other opportunities with two fumbles, an interception and an errant 32-yard field-goal attempt.

ROSTER REPORT
RB Jerious Norwood rushed only 10 times for 44 yards before missing the entire second half with a bruised left knee. His status for Saturday's game is uncertain. ... Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom isn't afraid to make lineup changes to reward players for strong performances. That was evident when Andrew Powell and Michael Heard started on the defensive line, freshman Mario Bobo started at cornerback and junior Marvin Byrdsong was back as the starting linebacker against Maine.

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