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

Defense

Mississippi State finished third in the SEC in total defense last season, trailing only College Football Playoff participants Georgia and Alabama. Though the Bulldog defense isn’t wasn’t as star-studded as either of those SEC counterparts, it found a way to get the job done.

The Bulldogs were extremely young on defense last season, making their defensive depth all the more intimidating entering 2018. That tenacity starts up front with a tenacious duo of pass rushers. Montez Sweat and Jeffrey Simmons are two of the SEC’s fiercest bookends. They combined for 27.5 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks in 2017.

The secondary also boasts a pair of ballhawking safeties. Mark McLaurin and Johnathan Abram led the Bulldogs with 79 and 71 tackles, respectively. Their sure-handedness on the second level was appreciated, but also a sign of gaps in front of them that remain unanswered entering the fall.

Linebacker will be the biggest question mark for this unit entering next season. Leo Lewis is the only returning player at the position with meaningful experience. He’s going to need some help, and that’s most likely to come from a new face. Redshirt freshman Erroll Thompson should be in line for significant playing time in his first year as a starter.