Predicting the 2014 SEC Football Season: Mississippi State Bulldogs

The fourth in a series leading up to fall camps takes us to Stark-Vegas.

MSU Clanga-Clangs 7-6 (3-5) in 2013

Synopsis:
After 5 seasons of Dan Mullen mediocrity, might quarterback Dak Prescott drag the Bulldogs into respectability?

A year ago, I posited the following:

Is this MSU's lot in life? 7 to 9 wins a year and a bowl game? Dan Mullen is starting his 5th year in Starkville with two collective wins against Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, and LSU. Bama has outscored them 123-27 in that time. Add in a little NCAA trouble and I have to ask: Are the Bulldogs fans okay with this? Is beating Ole Miss the only criteria?

Well, another 7-win season, another lower-tier bowl game, and another Egg Bowl win later the same questions remain.

Prescott might just be the best returning QB in the SEC (sorry Auburn fans). Despite splitting time with senior Tyler Russell and missing two games because of an injury, Dak passed for 1,940 yards/10 TDs and ran for another 829/13. But who is going to tote the rock behind him? True freshman and Mr. Football for the state of Mississippi Aeris Williams might just answer that question.

The improved defense is anchored by LB Benardrick McKinney and DL Chris Jones (2016 NFL prospect).

Key losses:
G Gabe Jackson (Round 3, Raiders), RB LaDarius Perkins (UFA, Packers), OT Charles Siddoway (arrested for residential burglary 2 weeks before the NFL draft), FS Nickoe Whitley (UFA, Browns), LB Deontae Skinner (UFA, Patriots), DL Denico Autry (UFA, Raiders).

Key returnees:
QB Dak Prescott, LB Benardrick McKinney, DL Chris Jones, RB Josh Robinson, WR Jameon Lewis, DB coach Deshea Townsend (#RollTide).

Newcomers:
RB Aeris Williams, ATH Gerri Green, WR Jesse Jackson... um... a little help?

Aug. 30 Southern Miss - W
Sept. 6 UAB - W
Sept. 13 at South Alabama - W - MSU making a historic visit to Mobile when they will be the first SEC team to visit the Jaguars at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Sept. 20 at LSU - L
Oct. 4 Texas A&M - W - This is a toss up but you know how I LOVE the home team advantage.
Oct. 11 Auburn - L
Oct. 25 at Kentucky - W
Nov. 1 Arkansas - W
Nov. 8 UT-Martin - W
Nov. 15 at Alabama - L
Nov. 22 Vanderbilt - W
Nov. 29 at Ole Miss - L

Let's Go Bowling! Yep, one of those middle-of-the-road Weedwacker Bowls again.

8-4 thanks to a lame out-of-conference schedule (no offense Jags fans).

........

Other previews:

• Arkansas Razorbacks
• Tennessee Volunteers
• Ole Miss Rebel Ackbar Black Bears