SEC Football: Week Three Power Rankings

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Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) throws against the LSU Tigers during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Mississippi State, (1-2)

Last week rank: 11

Week 3 result: 23-20 loss to LSU

Despite the loss to LSU, Mississippi State has looked far away, a much better team than they did on the opening week of the season in the loss to South Alabama.

The defense has never really been a question for the Bulldogs, they are talented and veteran heavy and did a good job against the Tigers, for the most part. The offense stalled a bit under Nick Fitzgerald and Damian Williams came in and was effective under center. While the Bulldogs did not win the game, they certainly gave LSU all they wanted in this SEC matchup as the Bulldogs almost pulled off the upset in Leonard Fournette’s return from injury.

The Bulldogs might have lost, but they look like a team that is improving, despite the rotating door at quarterback. The Bulldogs have continued to score on opponents and doing so against the LSU defense is no easy task. Mississippi State could continue to trend up if they can convert their efforts into wins.

Next game: September 24, @ UMASS, 3:30pm ET ESPN3

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