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Mississippi State has fought hard for its first four-game winning streak since 1999, and there are bruises up and down the depth chart to prove it.
The 24th-ranked Bulldogs used much of the past week to get healthy before playing their first game as a nationally ranked team since 2001.
Mississippi State (5-2) hosts UAB (2-4) on Saturday at Scott Field.
Coach Dan Mullen said finding the right balance between practice time and rest is crucial, especially now that his team is halfway through its Southeastern Conference schedule.
''You've got some bumps and bruises and we're a pretty banged up team,'' Mullen said. ''The more injuries you get, the more there's a trickle-down effect. But I've liked our attitude during practice. We've cleaned some things up and kept our focus. We've got to get better.''
Mullen's had a deft touch with the lineup so far. Quentin Saulsberry has played all three interior offensive line spots this season, and started at center against Florida after regular starter J.C. Brignone went down with a knee injury.
The Bulldogs' offensive line didn't flinch, running the ball at will during a 10-7 upset of the then-No. 22 Gators in The Swamp.
Mullen said players like Saulsberry hold teams together during the dog days of the season.
''He's played a lot of football here and played in a lot of big games,'' Mullen said. ''I expected him to handle it well because that's the type of player he is and that's his personality and how important it is to him. You just don't know how somebody will perform in that situation and he did a fabulous job.''
Brignone is expected to be back for Saturday's game, but Saulsberry said he's comfortable at center if needed, especially after the team's success against Florida.
''Whatever they want me to do,'' Saulsberry said, ''I'll do it.''
Maurice Langston has exhibited the same type of can-do attitude. The senior started the season at cornerback but is now playing some receiver and returning kickoffs after Leon Berry, one of the team's most experienced receivers, was lost for the season with a knee injury.
''It reminds me of my old JUCO days - running around there on routes and catching some passes,'' Langston said.
Though Mississippi State might be tempted to view UAB as a breather on the schedule, the Blazers have shown the ability to hang with SEC teams, pushing Tennessee to the brink in Neyland Stadium before losing 32-29 in double overtime earlier this season.
UAB is coming off a 21-6 victory over UTEP last week.
Coach Neil Callaway said stopping Mississippi State's running game is crucial. The Bulldogs have averaged more than 280 yards over the past three games and rank third in the SEC in rushing offense. Starting running back Vick Ballard leads the SEC with 11 rushing touchdowns.
''It's going to be a big challenge for us, particularly defensively to be disciplined and play with the responsibility we have to play with,'' Callaway said. ''Offensively, they do some moving up front and are very impressive.''
Mullen said the Tennessee game was proof that UAB shouldn't be regarded lightly.
''They really should have won that football game,'' Mullen said. ''We're playing a very confident football team.''
