Mississippi State dominated Alcorn State Saturday, 51-7, without three of the top NFL prospects on its roster. One of those absences was expected -- the other two were not.
Quarterback Tyler Russell sat out while recovering from a concussion, a move MSU coach Dan Mullen all but announced earlier in the week when he described the senior as "doubtful." Safety Nickoe Whitley and running back LaDarius Perkins, however, missed the game as well. Both were withheld due to injuries thought not to be serious. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Perkins wore a boot on his foot during the practice week.
If those moves were only precautionary, it's of no surprise. The Bulldogs open SEC play at Auburn next week.
Perkins rushed for 1,024 yards last season for the Bulldogs, while Whitley made 88 tackles a year ago and is MSU's lone returning starter in the defensive backfield.
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