STARKVILLE, MS - September 16, 2023 - Mississippi State Defensive End De'Monte Russell (#9) during the game between the LSU Tigers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Jaden Powell
Mississippi State
2023 Results: 5-7, 1-7 SEC
2024 Projection: 4-8 0-8 SEC
Overview:
The whirlwind this program has endured since the passing of Mike Leach has been painful to watch. Leach was beloved and Will Arnett had the best intentions, but his short tenure was doomed from the start. Enter new head coach Jeff Lebby, an offensive mastermind who runs an attack similar to rival head coach Lane Kiffin. Lebby will cover the X’s and O’s but will need the Jimmy’s and Joe’s if he is going to compete with Ole Miss for state supremacy.
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- STARKVILLE, MS – November 18, 2023 – Mississippi State Safety Corey Ellington (#10) during the game between the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Bailey Black
Offense:
Baylor transfer and 2022 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention quarterback, Blake Shapen offers a gamer at the most important position on the field. Lebby will take advantage of that as he likes to push the ball downfield. His offenses have finished in the top 25 nationally in plays of 20 or more yards from scrimmage every season since 2019, so he will take his shots. He has some young, but unproven guns at receiver, so their development will be key in how successful this offense can be.
Defense:
The defense lost a ton of production from a unit that wasn’t that great last season. They will depend on a lot of new faces, including new defensive coordinator, Coleman Hutzler. They have some experience coming back in all three position groups, but they will need to grow up quickly.
Special Teams:
Kyle Ferrie returns to kick field goals after a strong 2023 campaign and Zachary Haynes takes over the punting duties. The Bulldogs have lots of shifty options in the return game and may need them to excel to pull off a few upsets that could be the difference in bowl eligibility.
Final Thoughts:
Lebby will draw up the plays like he always has, but he has to build his roster to match the talent he will face week in and week out. Three cupcakes to open the season will give this team time to get their feet under them and several of the conference games are winnable, including Florida and Arkansas in Starkville. If the Bulldogs win those two, they will go bowling.
