2009 SEC Spring Preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs

All the spring scrimmage games have been played, and I'm sure every team is saying the same things; we have potential, we need to avoid injuries, etc.

This begins a team by team look at the SEC heading into the 2009 season. I'm starting with what I think will be the worst team and counting down.

Sorry, Bulldog fans, that means I start with you.

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

2008 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 4-8

NEW Head Coach: Dan Mullen (former Florida Offensive Coordinator)

Three easiest games in 2009

1. Jackson State 9/5

2. Houston 10/10

3. at Middle Tennessee State 10/17

The Bulldogs play Jackson State on September 5th to open the season. Then they play host to Houston on October 10th, and follow that up with a trip to Middle Tennessee State on October 17th.

They should be 3-0 in those games, but Houston normally has enough offense to hang around, and Middle Tennessee State is one of those Sun Belt teams, like Troy, that you'd rather not play.

Three toughest games in 2009

1. Florida 10/24

2. LSU 9/26

3. Alabama 11/14

The Bulldogs actually have a favorable schedule, getting their toughest games at home, but they still are a tall task to win. State plays host to LSU on September 26th, then they host Florida on October 24th. Alabama comes to town November 14th. At least the home fans will get their money's worth in season tickets.

Top Offensive and Defensive Players

Top Offensive Player: RB Anthony Dixon, SR

The Bulldogs lack real playmakers on offense, but Dixon while not flashy, is a bruising workhorse of a running back. He is the type of back Mullen didn't have while at Florida, unless you count Tim Tebow.

Top Defensive Player: DT Pernell McPhee, JR

This Junior College transfer has All-SEC potential, and will provide State with a real force up front. McPhee was highly regarded coming out of the JUCO ranks, and State will count on him for an immediate impact.

2009 Breakout Player Will Be...

WR O'Neal Wilder, RS Freshman, 6'5, 210

In Mullen's offense, receivers are obviously needed in bunches. Well, the Bulldogs don't exactly have the depth at that position that is needed, but Wilder has the size and ability to be a weapon in this offense. Wilder had a great spring game recording four catches for 122 yards. At 6'5, a one-on-one matchup is normally in his favor as well.

No. 1 Strength and Concern

No. 1 Strength: Running Backs

The Bulldogs return not only Dixon, but also Arnil Stallworth and Christian Ducre. All three are talented backs that have a little power to go with it. Not many teams have three running backs that have considerable experience, but Mullen does. Don't be surprised to see this offense stay on the ground with those guys more than normal.

No. 1 Concern: Wide Receiver Depth

In Mullen's spread offense, you need not only talented receivers, but lots of them. State just doesn't have the talent at this position, and they sure don't have the depth right now. They will really need some playmakers to step up, and will most surely end up counting on some freshman coming in.

2009 will be a successful season if...

The Bulldogs went 4-8 last season, and under former coach Sylvester Croom, had one of the worst offenses in the SEC year in and year out. So the goal of Mullen is first, improve on that four win record, and second, provide the Bulldogs with some punch and creativity on offense.

With a tough schedule, it will be tough to do better than last year's four wins, but an upset here or there could see the Bulldogs get to six wins.

A successful season looks to be four to six wins, matching last year's total or surpassing it, but maybe more importantly, an improved offense that shows it can score some points in a league dominated by defense.