Meyer, Mullen go head-to-head for first time

For the first time in his career, Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer will play a game against one of his former assistants who has taken a head coaching job for another team. For the first time in his career, Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen will play a game against the man he had coached under for nine seasons – from 1999 until 2008.

While Mullen’s Bulldogs are not up to the talent level of Meyer’s Gators, the former coach’s familiarity with his old offense could prove an equalizer come Saturday night. Meyer has already expressed his concern regarding Mullen’s knowledge of his schemes, players and signals.

“Some things are very alarming that we are going to cover in great detail today or tomorrow,” Meyer told reporters Monday during his weekly press conference. His opponent does not think it is that big of a deal. “Even though we know them, I don’t think it’s a huge advantage,” Mullen said.

What Mullen does think is a big deal is the high-profile game against the No. 1-ranked team in the country. “This is the game of the year in Mississippi,” he said. “When [former Gators dazzler and ESPN sideline reporter] Erin Andrews shows up on your campus to cover a game, I guess you’re playing the big game of the week.”