Over the course of the next several weeks, the SoBros Network crew will be going around the landscape of the SEC, team by team, previewing the upcoming American tackle football season. Up next, our 2021 Mississippi State preview!
2021 Mississippi State Preview
Heading into 2020, I thought the Mississippi State Bulldogs might surprise some people if Mike Leach could get it together quickly enough. He certainly had the quarterback to do so, and based on that first game when they beat the defending National Champions in their own building, I thought it just might happen. But, the offense sputtered, and the team went 1-7 after that. Because of the weird covid rules, the Bulldogs ended up in the Armed Forces Bowl, which they won. So, who knows which way is up and which way is down when we’re talking about this program?
In Leach’s timing-focused “go-go-go” offense, the passing game is incredibly important, but it all has to work together, and that’s what hurt the team in 2020. It just took too long to develop. No sacks, accurate throws, receivers running downfield. The offensive line should hold its own, anchored by stud left tackle Charles Cross. Receiver Jaden Walley broke a Bullldogs record for receiving yards by a freshman in a single season. He’s back. So, it all comes down to whether or not Will Rogers can continue to develop at quarterback as the odds-on favorite to win that starting job. If he does, he could be a prime candidate for a breakout season. But it is absolutely imperative that this offense gets it going. They need to be crisper as a unit.
With a big defensive line, some solid pieces in the linebacking corps (such as top tackler Aaron Brule) to work with, and some promising cornerbacks like Emmanuel Forbes, the defense could be a surprise success in 2021. The offense is going to be the focal point of any Leach team, but the defense quietly wasn’t half bad in 2020. There’s a foundation to build upon, and if they improve as a unit, they could be among the best in the SEC. All in all, it’s going to come down to whether or not the offense can work out the kinks.
2021 Bulldogs Schedule
Saturday, 9/4: vs. Louisiana Tech – It ain’t like putting Samford on the schedule, but it’s as close as they’ll get to a “preseason” tune-up. I’ll say this, though – best not to take Louisiana Tech lightly.
Saturday, 9/11: vs. NC State – NC State isn’t a team to sleep on, but the expectation will be to start the season at 2-0.
Saturday, 9/18: @ Memphis – Can someone please tell Mississippi State that they can make their out of conference schedule a little easier? This one’s no guarantee either.
Saturday, 9/25: vs. LSU – They beat ’em in Baton Rouge in 2021. I’m not particularly high on LSU this year, so there’s no reason to think they can’t beat ’em again at home.
Saturday, 10/2: @ Texas A&M – The Aggies are going to be loaded this year. While they have quarterback questions of their own, I just can’t see them losing at home to Mississippi State this season.
Saturday, 10/9: BYE
Saturday, 10/16: vs. Alabama – A little bit less of a “nope” than it was a year ago, but it’s still a definite “nope” from me.
Saturday, 10/23: @ Vanderbilt – We’ll see how quickly Clark Lea can get thing turned around over on West End, but I don’t expect 2021 to be easy for him. Even on the road, this is one the Bulldogs should be able to win with their defense at least.
Saturday, 10/30: vs. Kentucky – It’s a big year for the Wildcats, but by this point in the season, the Bulldogs should have the offense figured out. If not, they may be in trouble. It’s a winnable game.
Saturday, 11/6: @ Arkansas – I like what Sam Pittman has done with the Razorbacks program. This one could go a long way in determining which, if not both, of these teams are vying for a bowl spot at the end of the season.
Saturday, 11/13: @ Auburn – The Gus Malzahn era is officially over in Auburn. Bryan Harsin is the new head man in town coming over from Boise State, and he has a ton of talent to work with. This one’s going to be tough for Mississippi State to win on the road.
Saturday, 11/20: vs. Tennessee State – The new look Tigers, under first year head coach Eddie George, will get a crack at the Bulldogs late in the season, but this one should be little more than a bit of a breather for the Bulldogs as they gear up for the Egg Bowl.
Thursday, 11/24: vs. Ole Miss – What can I say? I like Lane Kiffin. I like what he’s got cookin’ in Oxford.
Prediction
Roll the dice, y’all. This season could go any number of ways for Mississippi State. I’m not joking – I could see 9-3 if everything jells to its full potential. I could also see 4-8 if the defense can’t overcome the offense failing to develop. There are a lot of ways this offense can hurt you (I’d also add that while the running back isn’t that important in Leach’s offense, there’s a lot of running back talent on this team – maybe use it?), but it’s all dependent upon timing and tempo. It wouldn’t hurt to limit the turnovers either. I expect the defense to carry its weight, but the unpredictability of how this offense is going to perform makes Mississippi State a real wild card in 2021.
OTHER SEC 2021 SEASON PREVIEWS
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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