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SEC Football Media Days 2017: 5 notable quotes from Day 2

By Nathaniel Reeves

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 24: Head Coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs talks with one of his players during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Bulldogs 45-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 24: Head Coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs talks with one of his players during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Bulldogs 45-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – NOVEMBER 26: Nick Fitzgerald #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Bulldogs defeated the Rebels 55-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – NOVEMBER 26: Nick Fitzgerald #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Bulldogs defeated the Rebels 55-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Dan Mullen, Mississippi State head coach

“Young quarterbacks struggle with that. They want to hit the long ball, especially a guy that has a strong arm like Nick. Those non-spectacular plays help. And I think for him with the experience is managing the offense that way. Take what the defense gives you. Don’t be afraid to check it down or throw it down underneath. “

Mullen has done an outstanding job of developing quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, and took some time on Tuesday to discuss what’s next for current young star Nick Fitzgerald.

Despite losing quarterback Dak Prescott and a host of others last year, Mississippi State survived a rebuilding campaign to earn its seventh straight bowl bid thanks in large part to Fitzgerald. The sophomore threw for 2,423 yards and ran for another 1,375 with 37 touchdowns after entering the season with just 14 career pass attempts.

Leading the SEC in total offense as a first-year start is incredibly impressive, but there’s still some things for Fitzgerald to work on. In particular, Mullen would like to see Fitzgerald improve upon his 54.3 completion percentage, along with cutting down on 10 interceptions.

That starts with decision-making and not trying to do to much, both of which are common issues with an inexperienced quarterback. If Mullen can iron out those issues, the Bulldogs should be headed to an eighth consecutive bowl game even with another daunting SEC West slate.

Mullen has developed quarterbacks like Prescott, Tim Tebow and Alex Smith in his career, and Fitzgerald appears well on his way to being another strong addition to his resume.

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