Mississippi State Football: Bulldogs aim to prove they’re more than Mullen’s magic

Offense

Nick Fitzgerald isn’t only the Bulldogs’ most critical offensive building block, he’s a potential Heisman candidate if he can stay healthy. Fitzgerald suffered a gruesome injury in the Egg Bowl at the end of last season. The injury put his status for the start of the 2018 season into question, but all reports point to him being ready for the season opener on Sept. 1.

Fitzgerald can make defenses pay through the air and on the ground. He accounted for 1,782 passing yards and 984 rushing yards last season. If he’s healthy, he’s going to be one of the most well-rounded offensive threats in the SEC.

Mississippi State will have to replace two key pass catchers in 2018 with the departures of Donald Gray and Jordan Thomas. However, they return last year’s leading receiver in Jesse Jackson (276 yards) and last year’s receiving touchdown leader Deddrick Thomas (four touchdowns).

Aeris Williams will lead the Bulldogs on the ground once again. He finished fifth in the conference in rushing in 2017, churning out 1,019 yards and six rushing touchdowns. When the Mississippi State offense is clicking both Williams and Fitzgerald are gashing into the second level of the defense. There’s no reason to believe they won’t continue to do so in 2018.