Mississippi State Spring Game 2015 Preview: What to watch for

Nov 22, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen reacts during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

2. Sense of Urgency

Mississippi State fell one win shy in the Orange Bowl of setting a program record for wins with 11 and lost three of their last four games to end the season on a down note. But the 2014 season was the best in program history and saw them rise to the No. 1 spot in the rankings for the first time in program history.

They won at No. 8 LSU for the first time since 1991 and backed that up with wins against No. 6 Texas A&M and No. 3 Auburn to defeat top-10 teams in three consecutive weeks for the first time in program history.

Many are already writing off Dan Mullen’s team before they finish spring practice and think they’re going to regress after losing so many starters and skeptics thinking there’s no possible way they can repeat last year’s 10-3 (6-2) record. I want to see this team come out with a chip on their shoulder and not look complacent with the success of last year’s team and look to begin the 2015 season on the right foot with a great effort in the spring game.

Yes, it’s just a spring game and won’t compare to the atmosphere of a game day against Ole Miss or another SEC opponent, but this is an important day to show they aren’t satisfied with a 10-3 season.

Next: Dak's Encore