Memphis
12th Conference USA1-11
Mississippi State
6th SEC8-4
Memphis @ Mississippi State preview
Davis Wade Stadium
Mississippi State enters the season believing it’s on the brink of being a legitimate contender in the stacked SEC West. And with good reason. The Bulldogs played the toughest schedule of any team in the country last season and, with a strong finish, ended up 5-7.
With that rigorous SEC schedule awaiting, it is imperative the Bulldogs get off to a good start against Memphis on Saturday.
In their second season under coach Dan Mullen, the Bulldogs are on the rise. Last season, they lost to No. 7 LSU by only four points, 30-26, to No. 1 Florida by 10, 29-19 and ended with a bang, beating No. 25 Ole Miss 41-27 in the season finale.
Mississippi State made vast improvements, going from one of the worst scoring offenses in the NCAA to a respectable 72nd. Stud running back Anthony Dixon went to the NFL, but the Bulldogs return four of five offensive linemen. QB Chris Relf is always a threat to run and Chad Bumphis is a proven receiver. Dixon ran for more than 1,300 yards last season and with no workhorse to replace him, Mullen, who’s known for his spread offense, might air it out more often. Redshirt freshman QB Tyler Russell, who boasts a better arm than Relf, also could see some playing time.
Bulldogs’ pass rush demon Pernell McPhee (five sacks) leads an aggressive defense, with linebacker K.J. Wright, cornerback Corey Broomfield (six interceptions) and safety Charles Mitchell backing them up. Expect McPhee and Wright to terrorize Memphis, which lost its top two rushers and top three receivers. But Tigers’ guard Dominik Riley (6-5, 310) will hold his own against anyone. Beset by injuries throughout his career, QB Tyler Bass is expected to lead the Tigers in their first season under new coach Larry Porter.
It’s defensively where the Tigers will have more trouble staying with the Bulldogs. Memphis (2-10) lost its last seven games last season, allowing at least 30 points in each game, twice allowing more than 50. They ranked 117th in pass defense and 116th in total defense.
Look for Mullen to try to make a statement against a lesser foe before he battles the big boys. Auburn, LSU and Georgia are next on Mississippi State’s schedule, but Mullen said he thinks his team can compete with any in the SEC.
If that’s the case, the Bulldogs should make quick work of the Tigers.
With that rigorous SEC schedule awaiting, it is imperative the Bulldogs get off to a good start against Memphis on Saturday.
In their second season under coach Dan Mullen, the Bulldogs are on the rise. Last season, they lost to No. 7 LSU by only four points, 30-26, to No. 1 Florida by 10, 29-19 and ended with a bang, beating No. 25 Ole Miss 41-27 in the season finale.
Mississippi State made vast improvements, going from one of the worst scoring offenses in the NCAA to a respectable 72nd. Stud running back Anthony Dixon went to the NFL, but the Bulldogs return four of five offensive linemen. QB Chris Relf is always a threat to run and Chad Bumphis is a proven receiver. Dixon ran for more than 1,300 yards last season and with no workhorse to replace him, Mullen, who’s known for his spread offense, might air it out more often. Redshirt freshman QB Tyler Russell, who boasts a better arm than Relf, also could see some playing time.
Bulldogs’ pass rush demon Pernell McPhee (five sacks) leads an aggressive defense, with linebacker K.J. Wright, cornerback Corey Broomfield (six interceptions) and safety Charles Mitchell backing them up. Expect McPhee and Wright to terrorize Memphis, which lost its top two rushers and top three receivers. But Tigers’ guard Dominik Riley (6-5, 310) will hold his own against anyone. Beset by injuries throughout his career, QB Tyler Bass is expected to lead the Tigers in their first season under new coach Larry Porter.
It’s defensively where the Tigers will have more trouble staying with the Bulldogs. Memphis (2-10) lost its last seven games last season, allowing at least 30 points in each game, twice allowing more than 50. They ranked 117th in pass defense and 116th in total defense.
Look for Mullen to try to make a statement against a lesser foe before he battles the big boys. Auburn, LSU and Georgia are next on Mississippi State’s schedule, but Mullen said he thinks his team can compete with any in the SEC.
If that’s the case, the Bulldogs should make quick work of the Tigers.