2008 Mississippi State Football Picks & Predictions
Can the Bulldogs build on an eight-win season and a bowl bid in 2008 or will they come crashing back down to earth. With Mississippi State extending Coach Croom’s contract through 2011, it must like the direction they’re heading. Find out in Jimmy’s 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs predictions and season preview if the Bulldogs can go bowling again?
Offense
Croom’s West Coast offensive attack is yet to come to life in Starkville, but sophomore QB Wesley Carroll gives him hope. Carroll had his moments as a true freshman and he will be stronger and more knowledgeable of the offense in year two. Losing big-play receiver Tony Burks is going to hurt some, but Jamayel Smith has the making of a top threat. Coaches also feel that junior college transfer Co-Eric Riley should perform much better in his senior campaign. Redshirt freshman running back Robert Elliot was a big time recruit out of high school and now the shifty back will get a chance to shine on Saturdays. Converted safety Wade Bonner gets added to the mix of backs also. Anthony Dixon has already established himself as a power runner and Christian Ducre is a proven backup. As positive as I’m trying to be here, the reality is that the Bulldogs put one of the worst offenses in the nation on the field last season and they will likely still be one of the worst in the SEC.
Defense
Mississippi State made an effort to recruit more speed on defense to contend in a speedy conference and that effort has paid off. Losing All-SEC defensive end Titus Brown will hurt as Tim Bailey and Jimmie Holmes don’t figure to be as effective in the spot. Cortez McCraney, who played a lot last year, will take over at the opposite end. Kyle Love and Jessie Bowman are the names to look for on the interior. Middle linebacker Jamar Chaney and weak side backer Dominic Douglas return at the linebacker spots. K.J. Wright will step into the strong side backer position. Derek Pegues is an NFL player and the motor of the defense. He stepped into the free safety spot for the first time in his career last season and came up with five interceptions, returning one to paydirt. With De’Mon Glanton and Keith Fitzhugh with experience at strong safety, the Dogs will have one of the best safety corps in the conference. Jasper O’Quinn and Marcus Washington have experience at corner, but the departure of starter Anthony Johnson hurts State’s depth.
Special Teams
I’ve already mentioned Pegues big play ability in the secondary. The guy is also a great kickoff and punt returner. The kicking game is better than average with senior kicker Adam Carlson and sophomore punter Blake McAdams.
Prediction – 4th in SEC West
Alabama should pass up the Bulldogs this season, but at least you Mississippi State fans should be able to rejoice in finishing ahead of rival Ole Miss. The defense will keep the Dogs in most every game, but lack of offensive production will keep them from beating the elite teams. I’d say bowl bubble right now. They are going to find themselves in the middle of the pack behind LSU, Auburn, and Alabama but superior to Ole Miss and Arkansas.
Check out all of Jimmy Boyd’s articles on college football predictions to get a head start on the upcoming season. Jimmy Boyd does his homework before the season starts so he can pick apart the college football lines from day one. For the most consistent winners in the industry all year long, make sure you’re doing your betting our NCAA football picks.
Win more with your football betting this season by signing up with our experts. They only put out the best football picks each week so you know you are going to win!
