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 game were.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Running Back Anthony Dixon

Senior * 6-1 * 235 * Jackson, Miss.

Rushing: 27 carries for 135 yards, two touchdowns

Logan's take: Dixon put up his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game out of the six games he has played in this season. He seems to be running with a purpose out there and is playing the best football of his Bulldog career. Some of the yards he is picking up is shear willpower. I was really happy to be able to watch Boobie break Jerious Norwood's record.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Cornerback Corey Broomfield

Redshirt Freshman * 5-10 * 170 * Palm Bay, Fla.

Defense: five solo tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions for 11 return yards, one pass deflection

Logan's take: Broomfield was making his first career start but you would have never known it with the way he played. He finished second on the team in tackles on the day as well as moved into the team lead in interceptions with his two picks. The secondary has been picked on this season but the good thing is that guys like Broomfield appear to be improving and should have a bright future ahead for the Bulldogs.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Punter Heath Hutchins

Junior * 6-1 * 205 * Saltillo, Miss.

Punting: seven punts for 257 yards (36.7 avg.) with a long of 42 yards, three punts inside the 20-yard line and one touchback.

Logan's take: Hutchins has been solid all season for MSU. He has had only one punt that I would consider shanked and that was on a pooch punt against Houston. He kept Middle Tennessee pinned on their end of the field for most of the first half. Even punting into a 13 MPH wind did not stop Hutchins from having a strong game. To me, Hutchins has been as good as advertised.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK:

Safety Johnthan Banks

Freshman * 6-2 * 175 * Maben, Miss.

Defense: Four solo tackles, two interceptions for 25 return yards, one pass deflection

Logan's take: After seeing him play in high school, I honestly didn't think Banks would be able to get the job done at safety in the SEC because he is so thin. But he has definitely proved me wrong over the last two games. Banks started his second straight game for the injured Zach Smith and picked off his first two passes against the Blue Raiders. He was also tied for third on the team in tackles. With his height and speed it is hard for receivers to get behind him.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Defensive Coordinator Carl Torbush

Logan's take: Torbush has definitely been under fire at times this season and even thrown under the bus a few times by Dan Mullen. But Saturday there was no question that the defense came to play and looked improved in all three areas. I thought it was the best game the secondary has played all season and they also held Middle Tennessee to 42 yards on the ground. Granted the defense isn't as menacing as it has been in years past but there are several young players getting invaluable experience out there and will only improve as the season progresses.