Mississippi St Bulldogs 2016 NCAA Football Preview
MISSISSIPPI ST BULLDOGS
Southeastern Conference – West Division
2015 Record – 9-4
ATS – 8-5
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
West Division #7
Conference #10
2015 Recap
The Bulldogs finished up strong in QB Dak Prescott’s final season in Starkville with a 9-win season and a blowout win over NC State in the Belk Bowl. In one sense you can call it a disappointment since they lost to LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss – but they had a very inexperienced team last season – and HC Dan Mullen did another fine job. That’s six straight winning seasons and four bowl victories since 2010.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
We might as well start at QB. The Bulldogs have a number of options to choose from and it does not appear that anything was decided in the spring. Nick Fitzgerald got some limited playing time last season and is probably the front-runner for the job. Regardless, this is a huge question mark heading into 2016. Brandon Holloway is the leading returning rusher but he is only 5-8 165 and doubt he can sustain a full season of punishment. The offensive line did not perform well last season (12th in SEC in rushing, 10th in sacks allowed) and they only return three starters this season. We do not have much optimism for the running game and that is going to be a problem. WR Fred Ross had a 1,000-yard season and returns for 2016. We do not think it is reasonable to expect anywhere close to the 34 and 37 point per game output from the last two seasons.
DEFENSE
The Bulldogs have fielded a fine defense the past six seasons regardless of the number of returning starters. This year they have six starters back but lose their excellent DC Manny Diaz. The defense looks to be in good shape once again in 2016 but they need to find a way to generate more turnovers. Mississippi St was last in the SEC last season forcing only 14 takeaways. We should be able to count on the Bulldogs getting to the opposing QB (30 sacks in 2015) as they return their top two sack leaders and are experienced on the defensive line.
SPECIAL TEAMS
This unit appears to be in great shape. All the key players return in 2016 including PK Westin Graves (15/18 FG) and dangerous return specialists.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 4.5
MEGALOCKS says:
Mississippi St’s schedule sets up well for them to lay a foundation before taking on the toughest part of their schedule in November. They travel to LSU in week three but all things considered do not have another killer game until a road test at Alabama late in the season.
Overall, we give the BULLDOGS a 4.5 ATS Value Rating (Below Average) this season. Since Dan Mullen arrived as HC in 2009 the WORST ATS season for Mississippi St is 6-7. As many changes as the Bulldogs have on offense it would be easy to call for a poor season against the number but we just can’t do it. Mississippi St appears to be strong enough on defense and special teams to be right around the .500 mark again ATS despite the pressing questions on offense.
Want more Mississippi St football?
Website
http://www.hailstate.com/index.aspx?path=football
Forum
http://www.secrant.com/rant/mississippi-st-sports/
http://forums.sixpackspeak.com/
http://www.elitedawgs.com/forum.php
http://www.scout.com/college/mississippi-state/forums/1570-sports
http://mississippistate.247sports.com/Board/
News
http://www.clarionledger.com/sports/mississippi-state/
http://bleacherreport.com/mississippi-state-football
https://maroonandwhitenation.com/category/football/
http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/
https://twitter.com/HailStateFB (@HailStateFB)
https://twitter.com/MikeBBonner (@MikeBBonner) Michael Bonner