The Mississippi State Bulldogs enter their second season under the direction of Dan Mullen looking to build on a 5-7 season a year ago. While an SEC West title is out of the picture, 14 starters return for a team looking to be invited to a bowl game for only the second time since 2000. Mullen has brought his spread attack to Starkville and dividends were paid immediately with impressive offensive numbers. The Dogs come into the 2010 season with momentum after defeating rival Ole Miss in the season finale last year. Mississippi State is a +5000 long shot to win the SEC title.
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Sylvester Croom was ousted as head coach prior to last season mainly because the offense never matched the performance of the defensive units he put on the field. This will no longer be an issue if 2009 is any indication. Dan Mullen is well versed in offensive strategy and had the Dogs averaging over 10 points more per contest. Running the ball was a priority which led to RB Anthony Dixon topping the SEC in rushing with almost 1400 yards. The first team All SEC selection left school as the team's all time leading rusher and will be difficult to replace. Quarterback play was an issue for MSU as duty was split with Tyson Lee and Chris Relf. Lee threw only four touchdown passes and 14 interceptions and Relf is much more effective running the ball. Red shirt freshman Tyler Russell will battle Relf for the starting position coming out of camp and could be the long term solution at quarterback. WR Chad Bumphis followed Mullen to Mississippi State after previously committing to F lorida. The versatile wide out must improve on his 32 catch performance for the Bulldogs. The offensive line is a strength for this squad as four starters are back to try and pave the way for yet another 1000 yard runner.
Defensively the Dogs were inconsistent and gave up quite a few big plays. Stopping the run has to be a major emphasis after giving up 146 ypg last year. They should improve on that number with all four defensive linemen returning for the 2010 season. The secondary was solid in 2009 and return sophomore safety Jonathan Banks. Seven starters in all are back for a team that had 17 interceptions for an opportunistic defense. CB Corey Broomfield led the way with six picks. LB Kyle Wright will be one of the leaders on defense after totaling 82 stops. If the Bulldogs want to reach their main goal of reaching a bowl game, this side of the ball is going to have to improve in every facet of the game.
The schedule makers do no favors for MSU in 2010. Many ranked their 2009 slate as the toughest in college football and they will play another top 5 schedule this season. Road rests at Alabama, Florida and LSU is a major reason for the top ranking. Defending their home turf is going to be vital as they will need to pull a couple upsets over the likes of Arkansas, Auburn or Georgia to reach the magic number of six wins. I predict they will get to six wins but no more and be eligible for bowl play.Get all of your college football picks from the experts at Locksmith Sports. No site provides more winners than Jimmy Boyd and company
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