Midseason College Football Playoff Predictions
Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) passing against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State defeated Auburn 38-23. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Mississippi State Bulldogs
In the preseason, the Mississippi State Bulldogs were outside looking in on the Top 25. Now, the Bulldogs have surpassed FSU as the consensus number one team in America. Quarterback is king at any level of football and the Bulldogs have the top dog in the country right now. No one has made a better case for the Heisman than Dak Prescott who is putting up borderline 2010 Cam Newton numbers. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering his Head Coach, Dan Mullen has developed a handful of prominent college QB’s. Mullen who was Urban Meyer’s right hand man for many years has coached the likes of Alex Smith, Chris Leak, and Tim Tebow. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs leader is Bernardrick McKinney who is one of the most versatile and athletic linebackers in the country. He also has two first names in his first name which is pretty awesome.
The Remaining Schedule
- At Kentucky
- Compared to their previous three opponents, the Bulldogs shouldn’t be phased by Kentucky, but I could easily see this being a trap game. The Wildcats are sitting at 5-1 and the game is in Lexington where Kentucky hasn’t lost yet this season. Regardless, I think Dak and company will grind out a two score win and come out of Lexington undefeated but don’t be surprised if this is a close game
- Arkansas
- Although the Razorbacks are sitting at .500 right now, Bret Bielema’s crew has matched their win total from last season and could just as easily be 5-1 with a top 15 ranking attached. The Razorbacks have had a lot of success on the ground this year but that plays into the Bulldogs strengths perfectly because they have a stout rushing defense. I’m expecting this to be a big win in Stark Vegas
- UT Martin
- Cupcake Win
- At Alabama
- This is the first game where the Bulldogs undefeated season is in serious jeopardy since Auburn. With Alabama’s shot at the CFB Playoff essentially on the line, Nick Saban’s team will be firing on all cylinders in Tuscaloosa. I honestly think the Crimson Tide come out of this game with a close win. With Bama’s backs to the wall, they will be hard to beat, especially in their home stadium. Bama keeps their playoff hopes alive but the final game of the season will hold more weight.
- Vanderbilt
- Cupcake Win
- At Ole Miss
- An in-state rivalry that hasn’t garnered any attention over the past decade will be the marquee matchup of the CFB season if these two remain undefeated or at one loss. The Bulldogs won in OT last year and I think the outcome will be the same this year. The versatile Mississippi State offense will outlast the stout Ole Miss defense. Dak will be the X-factor and his performance will ensure his Heisman Trophy come December.