SEC Football - 2021 Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview
Our Mississippi State Bulldogs preview 2021 notes that more likely than not, this team usually has a shot at posting a minimum of six wins. We expect that they will do just that this season. Last year, Mississippi State finished last in the SEC West with a 3-7 record. That was good enough to make the Armed Forces Bowl where the Bulldogs beat Tulsa 28-26. Last season, MSU scored just 21.4 PPG (13th SEC, 109th Nationally), while they allowed opponents 28.1 PPG (6th SEC, 58th Nationally). Although those stats gave them a PF/PA differential of -6.7, the defense was good enough to keep the team in the game on numerous occasions. The result, three of their losses seven were by one TD.
Mississippi State Offense
Eight starters are back on offense. Last season, quarterback Will Rogers passed for 1,976 yards. Rogers, a freshman, came in partway through the season to replace injured QB K.J. Costello. In his first season, the freshman completed 69.1 percent of his passes, tossing 11 TDs and seven INTs. He improved as time went on. However, Rogers will be challenged for the starting spot by Southern Mississippi transfer Jack Abraham. On the receiving end, All-SEC Freshman Jaden Wally returns after leading the team with 52 catches and 718 receiving yards. Also back are wideouts Malik Heath and Austin Williams; each of whom had three TD catches.
The rush attack welcomes back the top two performers from last season, Jo’Quavious Marks and Dillon Johnson. In 2020, Marks rushed for 312 yards on 70 attempts scoring three times. Johnson gained 225 yards on 51 rushes. He crossed the goal line four times. The offensive line returns intact. Like the rest of the team last year, they improved with experience.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview 2021 - Defense
The starters on this side of the ball are solid. This big issue for MSU on defense is depth. The D-line is experienced and sound. Defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy, who recorded 31 tackles, two sacks, two PBU, and three QBH, anchors the front. The linebacking unit can make things happen. In 2020, SLB Tyrus Wheat recorded five sacks, two PBU, and two QBH. Also, MLB Nathaniel Watson notched 40 tackles, three TFL, and one PBU while WLB Aaron Brule is the top returning tackler with 77. Brule, the lynchpin of the group, recorded four sacks, 4.5 TFL, three PBU, and 10 QBH.
The Mississippi State starting corners are two of the best in the SEC. Emmanuel Forbes, who was an All-SEC freshman last year, and Martin Emerson, who was an All-American honorable mention, offer stellar defensive chops. Last season, Forbes grabbed six picks and notched five PBU while Emerson broke up 11 passes and registered 70 tackles. Shawn Preston Jr. returns as the Bull having recorded 66 tackles, four INTs, and three TFL. There’s also quality in the safety group.
Specialists
Overall, the MSU special teams look strong. Placekicker Brandon Ruiz returns after converting 24-of-24 extra points and 10-of-12 field goals. Ruiz offers the Bulldogs reliability. Punter Tucker Day is sound. In 2020, he averaged 42.9 YPP placing six-of-29 within the 20. Our Mississippi State Bulldogs preview 2021 finds that Lideatrick Griffin has shown a lot of promise on bring backs. Last year, he averaged 37.3 YPR with 65 yards being his longest. He possess the potential to break one out for a TD at any time.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Mississippi State Bulldogs preview 2021 finds that this team has a shot at rounding out the West Division’s bowl participation by being the seventh team to make the postseason. If the Bulldogs can go 6-6, they will be bowl bound and every team in the SEC West will be in the postseason. And although their schedule is challenging, it’s not as tough as Arkansas’ or Auburn’s.
SEC Football - Mississippi State Bulldogs 2021 - Predictions:
Seventh Place - SEC West
Birmingham Bowl vs FSU