The Bulldogs got their first winning season under coach Sylvester Croom, and it could not have come at a better time, as the natives in Starkville were growing restless. The Bulldogs return several starters on both offense and defense and should return to a bowl game again in '08.
Offense: The offense is led by running back Anthony Dixon. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 14 TDs last year. Dixon will be the primary focus of the Bulldogs offense this year. Wesley Carroll will look to keep on improving as a quarterback but has limited resources to throw to. The coaching staff is hoping that senior Jamayel Smith can be the go-to guy, but that is far from a sure thing.
Defense: The defense should be the Bulldogs' strength, as they return nine starters from last year's team. Those returning are led by arguably the best safety in the country in Derek Pegues. The strong area of the defense will be the secondary with all starters returning from last year.
The weakest part of the Bulldog defense would seem to be the lack of a pass rusher on the outside, but the secondary is good enough to fend for themselves.
Impact Newcomer: Robert Elliott, RB. Make no mistake about it, Dixon is the guy for the Bulldogs—but Elliot is an explosive playmaker. He has good size and blazing speed. Elliott will provide lightning to Dixon's thunder. He reminds people of a young Jerious Norwood.
'08-09 Forecast: Mississippi State showed progress in year four under Croom last fall, earning the school's first bowl game in seven seasons. Given the returning starters on both sides, an offense that's finally adding playmakers, a tough defense, and the confidence that rolled over from 2007's success, there's no doubt that the Bulldogs should be headed to another bowl game.
'08-09 Record: 7-5 (3-5)
South Carolina Gamecocks
When Steve Spurrier arrived at South Carolina, fans dreamed of SEC championships and BCS bowl games. Instead they've gotten three years of mediocrity. Carolina can't quite seem to make the jump to the elite of the SEC.
Offense: Spurrier has his work cut out for him beyond the quarterback spot. The line should be improved after the Gamecocks allowed the second-most sacks in the SEC. Mike Davis should get the nod at running back, while senior Kenny McKinley looks to build on a solid 2007 season that saw him catch an SEC-leading 77 passes.
Defense: There is a ton of talent on the Gamecock defense—the main problem has been keeping them healthy. Leading the way is senior linebacker Jasper Brinkley, returning from a knee injury, who figures to be an All-SEC performer this year.
The defense is simple: They are really good at pass defense and awful at run defense. The front seven must improve, or it could be another season of mediocrity in Columbia.
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