Mississippi State Vs. Arizona: Three Wildcats Players To Watch

Looking into three Arizona players to keep an eye on as the Wildcats take on MSU.

The first ever meeting between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Arizona Wildcats took place last season with MSU coming out on top, 39-17. 

The Wildcats are 1-6-1 all-time against opponents from the SEC with their last SEC win coming in 1976 against Auburn, a streak they'll be looking to change as they get another swing at the Bulldogs on the road.

After finishing out the 2022 season at 5-7, the Wildcats are looking for their second win against an SEC team after an impressive 38-3 victory over Northern Arizona. 

Here's a look into three players to watch as Arizona looks to redeem itself against MSU:

1. QB Jayden De Laura

With how stacked the Pac-12 is with quarterbacks, some of them are overlooked. That may be the case with Jayden De Laura.

The junior signal-caller returns for his second year under center for the Wildcats as a potential rising star who could make his way up the draft boards. 

In his first outing against MSU, he did not play up to his standard. He only completed 51% of his passes while also having three interceptions. In his first game this season, his accuracy looked to have improved, and he also ran for a 53-yard touchdown. De Laura is in his second year under this new offensive, and he will use his athletic ability to his advantage if given the opportunity by the defense.

2. WR Jacob Cowing

One of the most underrated wide receivers in both the Pac-12 in none other than Arizona's Cowing.

Currently holding the longest active streak for a reception in a game in the nation, Cowing is a talent that should cause some worry to teams across all levels of competition. 

Cowing was named to the AP Preseason Second-Team All-American ahead of the season after finishing out 2022 with 85 receptions for 1,034 yards and 7 touchdowns. He only had just three receptions with 38 yards in the season-opener, but his speed and route running could cause trouble for a questionable MSU secondary. 

 As De Laura's number one target, watch for deep balls being passed in his direction to test the speed and defensive ability of Decamerion Richardson.

3. LB Jacob Manu

Another caption on the team, sophomore linebacker Jacob Manu had an impressive game against Northern Arizona.

He claimed 9 total tackles with 0.5 a sack. His presence in the middle of the field can disrupt State’s offensive game plan as they throw many short-quick passes down the middle. He is a lightning-quick player who could start the game quickly and finish strong if allowed to get comfortable with his play style.