Mississippi State 4th west 8/4 (4/4) The Bulldogs from StarkVegas roll into 2014 with high hopes and a returning QB that, when healthy, may be the best to ever strap on the marron and white. The schedule plays into the Bullpups favor with cross over games at Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Getting a few bounces their way and some well deserving luck, the could be rolling into Oxford in late December with title hopes on their minds. 16 returning starters will certainly help that dream. QB The biggest acquisition of the offseason may have been Brian Johnson. You might remember him collecting the MVP award after Utah dismantled the Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. He was brought in to help Dak Prescott reach the next level of his progression. He comes off the dramatic finish in the Egg Bowl where he willed the Dogs back to the win and a Liberty Bowl performance that accounted for 5 TDs. Johnson will help his throwing and teach him not to run as much. This should keep him healthy. Running backs The back field is in the capable hands of Josh Robinson. He arrived at fall camp ten pounds lighter and faster. He says he is stronger too. Time will tell. Also looking for playing time, senior Nick Griffen, sophomore Ashton Shumpert, true freshmen Aeris Williams. The back field should be a strength, as long as the injury bug stays away from Campus. Receivers Depth will not be a problem at wide out this year. Senior Jameon Lewis returns as the SEC leading receiver from 2013. DeRunnya Wilson, who predicted a 15-0 record for the dogs, looks to build on his freshman season of a year ago. Although I dont see 15-0 in the cards, a great year for him is. A host of other receivers will contribute to make this a stellar year for the ball catchers. O Line ??????????? This is the where the question marks are headed into fall. Gone are the big road graders known as Gabe Jackson and Charles Siddoway. Justin Malone was the replacement for Jackson, but a broken foot in the first game last year was still problematic in the spring. Junior college transfer, Jocquell Johnson is expected to challenge for the tackle spot. The biggest concern however, is the center slot. Dillon Day who suffered a left arm injury during spring and had trouble with the shotgun snap during the final week of spring. D Line 65 300lbs. Thats pretty damn impressive. That is Chris Jones. He is a man. And only a sophomore. There are 8 D lineman that played last year. DE Preston Smith will be a force to reckon with as well. Last year stopping the run was not a problem. Getting sacks was. The unit only had 20 all year and 4 of those came in the Liberty Bowl against Rice. Linebackers The linebacking corp is lead by returning starter, Benardrick McKinney. He led the team in tackles last year despite being in a so called sophomore slump. He can play and will be a difference maker. Mathew Wells also returns and is a productive player. Sophomores Beniquez Brown and Richie Brown should fill in nicely where Deontae Skinner Graduated. Affectionately referred to as the Brown Brothers (they are not related) they are dead locked in a battle to start. Defensive backs Returning at the cornerbacks is Jr Taveze Calhoun and Jamerson Love. Jay Hughes returns from an Achilles tear and should add stability. The Bulldogs have some depth finally at all positions, so should fair well in 2014. Specialists The kicking game can win it or lose it for you. Miss State must improve in this area. They were one of only four teams last year that averaged less than 50% on made field goals. Outlook Last year, many State faithful were ready to run Mullen out of town. Before the turkey and dressing was even cold, he bought himself another year when he captured the Eggbowl Trophy and kept it in Starkville. Then went to Memphis and punished a Rice team in the Liberty Bowl. This made many a cowbell ringing faithful forget the 6 loses that had occurred prior. However, if Dan wants to Continue to be the man, he better do better than 3-5 in conference play. 4th west 8/4 (4/4)
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 11:16:48 +0000
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