Saturday Blitz
Fansided

SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 15
Next
Nov 21, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Brandon Holloway (10) celebrates with wide receiver Fred Ross (8) and tight end Gus Wally (19) and offensive lineman Justin Malone (70) after scoring a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Brandon Holloway (10) celebrates with wide receiver Fred Ross (8) and tight end Gus Wally (19) and offensive lineman Justin Malone (70) after scoring a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 9-4, 4-4 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. South Alabama

Mississippi State has been a good team the past two years in the SEC, if not one of the more underrated teams in the conference. Their number one ranking in 2014 more than justifies that they have been talented. However, 2016 might be a different story as the Bulldogs lose the best player in school history in Dak Prescott.

Prescott was the heart and soul of the Bulldogs for the last years and his successor will have to try and keep the Bulldogs relevant in the ultra-tough SEC West. The heir apparent appears to be redshirt sophomore Nick Fitzgerald, he’ll have an easy first game against South Alabama but will then face South Carolina and LSU in the weeks after.

The best group on the Mississippi State squad would have to be the defense. The Bulldogs return six starters including Nick James at nose tackle, A.J. Jefferson at defensive end and Richie Brown at linebacker. These three seniors will be counted on to lead the team and help make sure that Mississippi State makes a bowl game for the seventh straight season.

In order for Dan Mullen to have another successful season he will have to find stable quarterback play as well as a balanced attack on offense. Prescott did it all as far as throwing the ball or making plays on the ground. The new quarterback will have to make plays and the Bulldogs stable of running backs will have to find the right mix and provide another dimension for the offense in 2016.

Next: No. 9 Auburn Tigers

Home/SEC