7. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-8, 0-8)
On paper, Mississippi State doesn’t look like a team that will struggle in the SEC. But there’s a lot going on in Starkville, regrettably because Mike Leach is no longer with us. Zach Arnett begins his first year as a head coach at any level, and the Bulldogs will be completely revamping the offense. Changes that drastic usually mean bad news in this competitive league, and the Bulldogs will have to prove they still have what it takes to rise to the middle of the division.
Rankings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
| Quarterbacks: Vg Running Backs: Av Wide Receivers: Av Offensive Line: Av | Defensive Line: Av Linebackers: Vg Defensive Backs: Vg Special Teams: Av |
Offense: What could go right
There’s so much experience on this side of the ball – especially at quarterback, where Vanderbilt transfer Mike Wright opted to go from part-time starter in Nashville to backup to Will Rogers here – that it’s hard to see the Bulldogs looking lost, new offensive scheme or not. Rogers is a pro prospect and athletic enough to stay out of trouble. The starting receiver group is good, and RB Jo’quavious Marks has been around long enough to have seen it all. The offensive line is the most veteran unit in the league.
Offense: What could go wrong
MSU is having to reinvent the tight end position – literally. It didn’t exist under Leach. While the starters at receiver should be OK, depth behind them is a bit less settled, and no one knows exactly how well the receivers are going to perform as they adjust out of the Air Raid scheme that bought them free separation at times. While the line is experienced, they aren’t particularly athletic, and even with State not focusing on the run at all under Leach, they still gave up too many negative plays in the running game. There is also a question of whether Marks can handle the pounding of a more conventional offensive scheme.
Defense: What could go right
If the line jells quickly, this unit could be special. The Bulldogs may have the best nosetackle in the league in Nathan Pickering, and Jaden Crumedy’s return only makes Pickering more effective. The linebacker group is a collection of tackling machines, while the defensive backfield is strong on the outsides and has plenty of experience. While the special teams are being rebuilt, MSU likes what it has in regard to talent in the kicking slots.
Defense: What could go wrong
Crumedy’s health has been an issue in the past, and Mississippi State needs both he and Jordan Davis to show up healthy and ready to contribute. If either of them isn’t ready to go at the start of the year, it’s going to hurt what the Bulldogs want to do scheme-wise. Other than that, there’s enough depth in the back seven to cover up multiple injuries. The biggest question is whether Matt Brock is ready to step into the defensive coordinator’s role.
One-sentence summary: It really comes down to whether Zach Arnett is the right guy.
Arnett was named interim head coach when Leach fell ill, and the coaching “search” that took place after the season was merely a case of going through the motions. The wholesale change in offensive philosophy could be just what the Bulldogs need, or it could set the program back at a critical time when the division is so up for grabs as it is now. If Arnett was promoted before he was ready, the rest of the division will eat him up.
Follow Jess Nicholas on X at @TideFansJessN