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Kelley Jones vs. Minnesota’s receivers among key Gophers-Mississippi State matchups
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- Kelley Jones vs. Minnesota’s receivers among key Gophers-Mississippi State matchups
The Gophers will host Mississippi State this weekend in one of the biggest nonconference games of the P.J. Fleck era. The Bulldogs exploded for 762 yards of total offense in their blowout season-opening win over UL Monroe. Here are five matchups that will dictate which team starts their 2026 season 2-0.
Kamario Taylor vs. Danny Collins
Taylor was receiving plenty of hype in the offseason as a potential breakout star at QB, so his 413 yards of total offense in five touchdowns in Week 1 shouldn't have caught the Gophers' coaching staff by surprise. Minnesota hasn't had much success against elite quarterback talent under Fleck , but Saturday is a great opportunity for Collins to show his improvement as a defensive coordinator. His game plan against one of the most dynamic talents at the position will go a long way in determining the outcome.
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) passes the ball during the second quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Minnesota 's front seven vs. Mississippi State's rushing attack
Taylor showcased his arm talent in Week 1, but he's known most for his rushing ability. He had 458 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as a true freshman, and he had 59 yards on the ground against the Warhawks. Freshman running back J.J. Hill led the team with 118 yards and two touchdowns, but veteran Fluff Bothwell is still the most experienced option at the position.
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) hands the ball off to running back Fluff Bothwell (24) during warm ups prior to the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mississippi State has a stable of talented running backs, but Minnesota's experienced front seven might have the advantage. The Bulldogs have plenty of questions along their offensive line, so the Gophers have to impose their will and force Mississippi State in passing situations.
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Drake Lindsey vs. an SEC defense
The three letters on Mississippi State's jerseys often carry more weight than they should in the college football world, but it's a steep increase in competition for the Gophers. Former Mississippi State head coach and defensive coordinator Zach Arnett is back with the program this season, and they have a talented unit. The Bulldogs are probably best known for their offense this year, but their defense still has plenty of dudes.
As promising as Drake Lindsey looked last season, he averaged just 113.6 yards per game against Oregon, Ohio State and Iowa . Those three games were on the road, but he topped 200 passing yards only three times against Big Ten opponents. He will need to be at his best in order for the Gophers to start 2-0.
Kelley Jones vs. Minnesota's WRs
Arguably, the best player on Mississippi State's defense is Jones, who's projected as a first-round pick in many 2027 NFL mock drafts. Javon Tracy looked like Minnesota's WR1 in Week 1 with a team-high five receptions for 98 yards, along with returning two punts. He and the Gophers' wide receivers will be tested against one of the best cornerbacks in college football.
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Kelley Jones (1) waits for the snap during the first quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Minnesota's O-line vs. Mississippi State's front seven
The Gophers' offensive line was relatively disappointing last season. They now return four starters, and Greg Johnson looks like a potential first-round pick. The unit looked impressive in Week 1 against Eastern Illinois, but facing an SEC front seven is a completely different ballgame. The Gophers have an opportunity to control the line of scrimmage in this game, but their offensive line will have to prove it.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Sep 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
