BulldogBlitz Players of the Week

After each win, BulldogBlitz recognizes several players that had outstanding performances that played a major role in Mississippi State's win. Go inside to see who publisher Logan Lowery chose as the offensive, defensive, special teams, freshman and coach of the week were.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Running back LaDarius Perkins

Redshirt Freshman * 5-10 * 190 * Greenville, Miss.

Rushing: 18 carries for 131 yards, one touchdown; Receiving: One catch for a 4-yard touchdown.

Logan's take: There was a little uncertainty heading into the game at the running back position with Vick Ballard's ankle injury. Perkins more than filled in. The youngster made the most of his opportunity and picked up some tough yards despite UAB stacking the box constantly. Perkins is one of the most explosive players on the Bulldogs roster and was able to get into the open field make some big gains including a 51-yard run on the final scoring drive. He was also named SEC Freshman of the Week.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Safety Wade Bonner

Junior* 5-10 * 200 * Mason, Tenn.

Defense: Five tackles (two solo, three assists), one sack, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble.

Logan's take: Bonner may not have started the game or been among the leading tacklers on defense but his impact on Saturday's game was evident. What he was able to do in just a short amount of playing time was pretty incredible. Bonner recorded his first career sack, rocking UAB quarterback Bryan Ellis and forcing a fumble. He also made a touchdown saving tackle in the open field in the fourth quarter.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Kicker Derek DePasquale

Junior * 5-8 * 180 * The Woodlands, Texas

Field Goals: 5-of-5 with a long of 43-yards; Extra points: 2-of-2

Logan's take: It's never known up until game time and sometimes depending on the situation of which kicker will be used, DePasquale or Sean Brauchle. Saturday night DePasquale's number was called and he responded each time. He tied a school record with five field goals including four in the second half when the Bulldogs needed them the most. With some tough games still ahead on the schedule it is good to know that MSU is finding some consistency at kicker.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK:

Running back LaDarius Perkins

Redshirt Freshman * 5-10 * 190 * Greenville, Miss.

Rushing: 18 carries for 131 yards, one touchdown; Receiving: One catch for a 4-yard touchdown.

Logan's take: There was a little uncertainty heading into the game at the running back position with Vick Ballard's ankle injury. Perkins more than filled in. The youngster made the most of his opportunity and picked up some tough yards despite UAB stacking the box constantly. Perkins is one of the most explosive players on the Bulldogs roster and was able to get into the open field make some big gains including a 51-yard run on the final scoring drive.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Head coach and special teams coordinator Dan Mullen

Logan's take: Mullen's special teams have been in question all season but it seems they finally all came together on Saturday. DePasquale made five field goals, Heath Hutchins punted five times pinning two inside the 20-yard line with a long of 55-yards, Michael Carr forced the game winning fumble and Aaron Feld and Nickoe Whitley both recovered fumbles. The kickoff coverage was improved but still has a ways to go. It also doesn't hurt that he has the Bulldogs ranked, on a five-game winning streak and bowl eligible.