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Mississippi State football: Can Mike Leach fix Bulldogs in 2020?

By Michael Hanich

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 21: Members of the Mississippi State Bulldogs run on to the field prior to their game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 21: Members of the Mississippi State Bulldogs run on to the field prior to their game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Erroll Thompson, Mississippi State football (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Bulldogs believe they have right defensive coordinator for job

Mike Leach wanted to hire one of the most promising and efficient assistants to completely take over the defensive side of the ball. He found that coach in Zach Arnett, who spent the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator of San Diego State.

As a protégé of Rocky Long, Arnett developed the Aztecs into one of the most efficient defenses in the nation. In 2019, the Aztecs were ranked second in the nation (behind Georgia) in points allowed per game (12.7), fourth in total yards allowed per game (287.5) and second in rushing defense (75.5 rushing yards per game).

Arnett was set to be the defensive coordinator for Syracuse until Leach lured him to Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs have benefitted from developing top-tier SEC defenders that go on to the NFL. They have not been able to utilize these players to become a top 25 defense since 2014 when they were ranked 23rd in points allowed (21.7). Last season, the Bulldogs were ranked 74th (12th in the SEC) in points allowed (28.8) and 73rd (11th in the SEC) in total defense (399.2 yards).

There is some serious concern this season on the defensive side of the ball as the Bulldogs only return four starters from last season. It will be up to Arnett to begin the installation of a more sustainable defense that can benefit from undervalued recruits that have talent.

On the defensive line, there was a serious concern going into last season as MSU had three players selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. They missed the impact of edge rusher Montez Sweat and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who both went in the first round.

Marquiss Spencer returns after starting all 13 games. He accounted for 37 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Nathan Pickering was a 2019 SEC All-Freshman selection as he accounted for six tackles for loss and three sacks in some limited playing time. He’ll be back as a projected full-time starter.

This season will be difficult for some new linebackers as the Bulldogs will need to replace two of their starting linebackers from last season. Like the defensive line that was drafted in 2019, the Bulldogs lose significant linebackers in Willie Gay and Brian Cole II who were instrumental last season. They do return redshirt senior middle linebacker Erroll Thompson, who accounted for 84 total tackles (team-high), 3.5 tackles for loss and two pass deflections. He was voted by Athlon Sports as a preseason All-SEC third-team selection.

JUCO transfer Jordan Davis is looking to make the start at outside linebacker for the Bulldogs. Aaron Brule is projected to be a full-time starter for the first time as he looks to be the top pass rusher.

The Bulldogs still have a lot of work to do with the secondary as they only return one starter. They allowed a completion percentage of 61 throughout the year. They were also ranked 97th (13th in the SEC) in passing yards allowed.

C.J. Morgan returns as the starting strong safety for the Bulldogs after playing in 32 games in the past three seasons. Tyler Williams and Martin Emerson are projected starters after playing key backup roles this past season. Free safety Marcus Murphy is projected to start after playing in five games last season due to violation of team rules.

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