In 2007 things started to look very good for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. They defeated Auburn in Auburn, a ranked Kentucky team on the road, Alabama at home and had their first bowl victory in 7 years! Hopes were so high in Starkville that at the 2008 media day Sylvester Croom pronounced his team’s expectations- an SEC West Crown….the season started rocky as the Bulldogs were troubled by inconsistent quarterback play and finished the season being humiliated so badly by their rival the Ole Miss Rebels (45-0) that Sylvester Croom quickly resigned following the defeat.The 2008 Bulldogs were full of young talent and one of my DARK HORSE teams. They had a do-able schedule and seemed ready to turn the corner, but they failed to meet expectations. One of the most experienced teams in the SEC last year is now the most inexperienced with only 10 starters returning.
OFFENSEThe Bulldog offensive success will hinge on senior running back Anthony Dixon. Going into the 2008 season, it appeared that Dixon was prepared to rule the SEC. But injuries to the line and a nonexistent passing game hindered his ability to be a game changer. What is working in Dixon’s favor this year is that the offensive line returns six players with starting experience and four players that were every-game starters. The line should be better and be able to open some holes; however a HUGE problem for this team is their quarterback play. Tyson Lee struggled mightily last year throwing for just 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Lee shared time with sophomore (who is now gone) Wesley Carrol because neither quarterback could formulate a way to get the ball down the field and into the end zone. Lee will not have much to work with receiving wise as 2 of his three major targets are under classmen.
DEFENSE
During Sylvester Croom’s tenure at Mississippi State the defense was transformed into a very formidable opponent. However last year’s lack of offensive production caused the defense to be on the field too long and eventually gave up the plays to lose games. This year’s defensive unit will struggle mightily. They only return 4 starters on a unit which gave up more than 328 yards a game and an average of 24 points.
During Sylvester Croom’s tenure at Mississippi State the defense was transformed into a very formidable opponent. However last year’s lack of offensive production caused the defense to be on the field too long and eventually gave up the plays to lose games. This year’s defensive unit will struggle mightily. They only return 4 starters on a unit which gave up more than 328 yards a game and an average of 24 points.
SEASON PROJECTION-
New coach, no belief in the quarterback, and the least returners in all the SEC all combine to make the 2009 season treacherous for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Florida’s old offensive coordinator and Mississippi State’s new head man should turn things around in Starkville but it WILL take time. Until then, the Bulldogs will struggle. Mississippi State goes to Auburn the second week of the season followed by a visit to a turned around Vanderbilt. They also must face LSU, Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss(ALL TEAMS THAT CAN REACH A BCS GAME). The SEC is a gauntlet and the Bulldogs will be overmatched and outnumbered.
2-10 LAST IN THE SEC WEST
New coach, no belief in the quarterback, and the least returners in all the SEC all combine to make the 2009 season treacherous for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Florida’s old offensive coordinator and Mississippi State’s new head man should turn things around in Starkville but it WILL take time. Until then, the Bulldogs will struggle. Mississippi State goes to Auburn the second week of the season followed by a visit to a turned around Vanderbilt. They also must face LSU, Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss(ALL TEAMS THAT CAN REACH A BCS GAME). The SEC is a gauntlet and the Bulldogs will be overmatched and outnumbered.
2-10 LAST IN THE SEC WEST
No comments:
Post a Comment