<a href='http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041015/SPORTS030102/410150359/1025/SPORTS' target='_blank'>http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll...359/1025/SPORTS</a>

Culberson makes move to linebacker

By Ian R. Rapoport
irapopor@clarionledger.com

STARKVILLE — First, he was a cornerback. Then he was a free safety. Then a strong safety, then a free safety again.

During this bye week, Quinton Culberson has been switched to will — or weakside — linebacker to help strengthen Mississippi State's defense against the run.

"He's our best tackler right now," coach Sylvester Croom said. "We've got to get more production out of our linebacker crew."

Culberson, a 6-foot, 216-pound sophomore from Provine, has been a backup safety this season after starting at cornerback as a freshman before he broke his leg against Kentucky.

He has made 20 tackles in his six games of reserve duty, though he has spent much of his time learning to be a safety.

When UAB rushed for122 yards in the second half during last week's 27-13 loss, it was a sign the Bulldogs needed to do more to stop the run. Freshman linebackers Titus Brown and Gabe O'Neal each received extended looks during the bye week.

"We're getting to a point now where we have exhausted all of our possibilities," Croom said. "If we can stop the other team from running the ball, we got a chance. Otherwise, we don't."

The Bulldogs also spent much of the week working on tackling and fundamentals.

ANDREWS' FIRST FG: Sophomore kicker Keith Andrews doesn't remember much of his first field goal.

"My head was blank," he said. "The only thing I remember is it going in."

Against UAB, Andrews made a 48-yarder with plenty of room to spare, then hit another 42-yarder in the fourth quarter. He also hit the post on one from 37 yards out. After a miss against Maine, he was happy to knock one in.

"I was probably the happiest person in the stadium," Andrews said. "Now I can relax."