Mississippi State found out what the No. 1 comes with Saturday.
It’s not that the Bulldogs didn’t earn it. Three wins against top-10 SEC West teams earned that distinction.
But as Saturday’s 45-31 win against Kentucky proved, everybody’s gunning for No. 1.
Can Mississippi State hold on to it? Here are four factors moving forward:
Dak can't look back: For the Bulldogs to win the SEC championship, Dak Prescott can’t haven an off night. Heisman candidates get nitpicked, and Prescott struggled, going 5-of-12 passing in the first half after Mississippi State's first drive and 18-of-33 for the game. He also appeared to be limping throughout much of the second half, and after the game, Prescott was spotted with a boot on his left foot, which he said was "precaution."
Prescott did everything necessary to get the win. He hit five different receivers for 10-yard gains in the first half. He totaled 216 passing yards, 88 rushing yards and three total TDs. He continues to be the best all-around quarterback in the country. But even the best can't do it alone.
Rely on Robinson: Josh Robinson ran through seven Kentucky defenders on one play on a third-quarter TD drive. He capped the Bulldogs’ first drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. He closed the game with a 73-yard score in the fourth quarter. He’s the key to keeping the pressure off Prescott, and so far Robinson has 599 rushing yards in four SEC games. He's the hidden key for Mississippi State.
Tighten up on defense: Kentucky’s Patrick Towles (24-of-43, 390 yards, 2 TDs) matched Prescott with big plays. That included a 67-yard TD to Demarco Robinson in the first half and 58-yard TD to Javess Blue in the third quarter. The Bulldogs countered with six sacks, but the defense will have to be better — especially in road games at Alabama and Ole Miss.
Be ready for more: Kentucky took a one-score game into the fourth quarter and cut it to seven with 2:31 remaining. Arkansas, Tennessee-Martin and Vanderbilt come to Starkville. Their collective seasons would be made with a win against No. 1. That’s not even counting those trips to Oxford and Tuscaloosa. Mississippi State will hold on to the top spot in the AP Poll, but welcome to life on the top. It won’t get easier.
