After spending Wednesday inside, Mississippi State braved the chilly temperatures outdoors Thursday afternoon as they continue preparations for the Gator Bowl.

Throughout the first few practices Dan Mullen has opened up the depth charts to some of the younger Bulldogs in order to get reps. That emphasis will continue through the weekend before they begin preparing for Northwestern next week.

"I liked the energy and the effort," Mullen said. "That's what I evaluate out of this is the effort. There's an awful lot of teaching, coaching and mistakes being made out here but as long as they play with effort that we demand you can make improvements."

Several true freshmen such as Fred Brown, Richie Brown, Benequez Brown, Torrey Dale, Nelson Adams, Deontay Evans and Brandon Holloway have stood out in practice this week. But it had already been decided that those players would redshirt this season back in August.

"Obviously this time of year there are guys you wish weren't redshirting that you could put out there on the field on special teams and take reps," Mullen said. "But with how it's set up now you wouldn't do that. These guys had a great year of learning and got that underneath their belt to get ready. The good news is they are still freshmen next year."

This week of practice is especially key for the wide receivers and cornerbacks group. MSU graduates four senior wideouts and a pair of corners following the bowl game and it is crucial to identify the next group of playmakers for next year.



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