Mississippi State @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 4, 2010 ) Memphis 7, Mississippi State 49

THE STORY: Mississippi State busted into the national rankings last season, yet finished next-to-last in the SEC West. The Bulldogs hope to improve in the toughest division in the land, while continuing their national climb in 2011. It starts with Thursday’s opener against Memphis at the Liberty Bowl. Mississippi State returns 15 starters from a nine-win team that finished the season ranked 17th in the nation, but placed fifth in the West. Memphis lost 49-7 to the Bulldogs in last year’s opener, starting a miserable season in which the Tigers won just once and allowed 40-plus points seven times.

TV: FSN. LINE: Mississippi State -27.5.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (2010: 9-4, 4-4 SEC): The Bulldogs start the season ranked 20th, and all eyes are on the offense, where senior tailback Vick Ballard and senior quarterback Chris Relf highlight eight returning starters. Ballard rushed for 968 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, while Relf passed for 1,789 yards and 13 touchdowns, and rushed for 713 yards. Defensively, seven starters return to a unit that ranked third in the SEC in points allowed (19.8). Senior safety Charles Mitchell is the team’s top returning tackler (93).

ABOUT MEMPHIS (2010: 1-11, 0-8 Conference USA): The Tigers hope installing the spread offense will lead to more success, but finding a replacement for quarterback Ryan Williams (who transferred) is a top priority. Sophomores Andy Summerlin and Will Gilchrist are top candidates. Whoever plays quarterback will look often to one of four returning starters, junior Marcus Rucker, who led Memphis with 41 receptions last season. Defensively, all four returning starters are linemen, led by senior defensive tackle Frank Trotter, who recorded 80 tackles (16.5 tackles for loss).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bulldogs lost four games last season, all against SEC West competition.

2. Relf ended last season by earning Gator Bowl MVP honors, passing for 281 yards and three touchdowns as the Bulldogs routed Michigan 52-14.

3. The Tigers have lost 11 in a row against Mississippi State, last winning 45-35 in 1993.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 43, Memphis 13 – Ballard and Relf should have their way against a defense that allowed 39.8 points per game last season.