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Thursday, 19 November 2009 |
 Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf could see his time under center increase at Arkansas. By MATTHEW STEVENS
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Throughout every day of last week’s preparation Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen saw a look in backup Chris Relf he hadn’t seen all season.
“He’d had a real good week of practice,” Mullen said Monday. “When you do those things you feel a little bit more confident putting a guy on the field.”
That same look he saw in the eyes of his red-shirt sophomore was apparent last Saturday night when the Montgomery, Ala., native was sent out to play against the team he grew up watching and Relf got nine yards rushing in the 31-3 loss to second-ranked Alabama. Relf was an inch away on a couple fade passes from completing his first touchdown pass from the season-opening win over Jackson State.
“During the game at times you look at kids eyes and you just see they’re maybe a little bit more ready to play than other times,” Mullen said.
In practice and in flashes during game situations, Relf has been able to convince his Mississippi State offensive teammates that the future is now for him at quarterback.
“Chris is a pretty amazing guy,” senior wide receiver Brandon McRae said. “He’s going to be great one day.”
One of the players in the back-up’s corner is senior star tailback Anthony Dixon, who said he’s been a believer in Relf’s talent since he saw him working this past offseason and bought into the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder getting more snaps with the first team.
“He definitely is trying to make up for lost time but Chris coming into this season you could tell his confidence was high,” Dixon said.
“Even before the suspension Chris’ confidence was up there.”
Understanding Relf may be the starter in future seasons after he graduates, Mississippi State starting quarterback Tyson Lee has taken the responsibility to make sure the offense is in capable hands when Relf is given that opportunity.
“Since the suspension he’s came back and coach continues, I think, to give him confidence with more plays and the way he’s been doing things in practice,” Lee said. “I think it’s a new life since he’s been back. A different confidence level understanding he can do it.”
Relf said he’s continued to work on his passing skills in order to become the dual-threat quarterback that can run Mullen’s spread-option offense.
“I always feel confident but I just felt like I had to go out there and make some things happen,” Relf said Tuesday. “Me and Tyson get even enough reps in practice now so I think I’m picking up the offense real well right now.”
Mullen’s gut-based decision on Relf might have something to do with the recent struggles of starting quarterback Tyson Lee. The senior has failed to throw for 150 yards against Florida, Kentucky and Alabama while throwing seven interceptions compared with one touchdown pass.
When asked if his 13 interceptions surprised him, Lee was frank with his answer Monday.
“It has. That’s the last thing I want to do, I’d rather have all touchdowns and no interceptions but it’s just the nature of the game,” said Lee. “Interceptions happen but you have to learn from them for one but don’t let it get you down.”
Lee was 9-for-17 for 99 yards with two interceptions and a fumbled snap on a fourth-down play early in the first quarter that stopped a major rush of momentum for the Bulldogs in a scoreless game.
“(Senior center J.C. Brignone) was watching the play clock and they say you shouldn’t be watching the play clock but it’s hard when you’re about to take a delay of game,” sophomore offensive lineman Addison Lawrence said. “So he snapped it right before the clock went. The offensive line we watching the ball but (Tyson) wasn’t looking for it then.”
The MSU players up front whose job is to protect the 5-foot-10 Lee said they take responsibility for Lee’s three-week slump.
“Those interceptions are on us, we let him get hit a couple times and then he’s going to be a little shy and I can’t blame him,” sophomore offensive lineman Addison Lawrence said. “I think if we’re playing good and keep the guys off him, don’t let him get hit, he’s going just going to sit back there and have confidence.”
With two regular season games left in his MSU career, Lee has said his 2009 season hasn’t been nearly as productive as he would’ve hoped.
“I won’t change my competition level or the way I prepare,” Lee said. “Hopefully my execution level will increase the next two games and we can get two wins.”
Several teammates admitted to trying to make sure the confidence of their senior starting quarterback doesn’t drop when the Bulldogs face Arkansas and Ole Miss to finish the season.
“Every time I see Tyson, I tell him I love him and I’m not ever going to lose faith in him,” McRae said. “He’s the man.”
Since being suspended for two games in the middle of the season and being forced to watch his teammates compete against Houston and Middle Tennessee State, Relf has been described by the coaching staff and teammates as a new man attitude-wise.
“This year has been huge for him I think. The more his confidence gets with the pass the better he’s going to be, I think he’s getting it for sure,” Lawrence said. “He’s apologized to the team, you know, he’s realized he’s messed up and he’s got his stuff right I believe.”
Never willing to show his hand on pre-game strategy during the week, Mullen dropped subtle hints on Monday that Relf may see more snaps when the Bulldogs travel to Little Rock to face Arkansas (6-4, 2-4 in Southeastern Conference).
“I think when guys do that, they get on the field and they perform and show you some good things, you’re going to feel more comfortable putting back out there for more,” Mullen said.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 21 November 2009 )
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