Mississippi State Football: Forecasting the Bulldogs' 2021 season

Writer Phil Steele forecasted Mississippi State’s football season, along with several others, in his annual college football preview. Last year was a season of ups and downs (but mostly downs) for the Bulldogs. They started with a thrilling victory against defending national champion LSU. K.J. Costello threw for 623 yards and five touchdowns, looking like the next star quarterback under Mike Leach. Unfortunately, things took a drastic turn as Mississippi State lost its next four games and ended the year 4-7.

Costello was ultimately benched for freshman Will Rogers. The latter had some promising games down the stretch and returns as the Bulldog starter in 2021. Running back Jo’quavious Marks and receiver Jaden Walley are also back for their second seasons. It’s not impossible to imagine the offense taking a huge leap, especially under Leach.

Below is a summary of Steele’s 2021 forecast.

The Offense

Mike Leach has always loved his offenses to throw, and that was on display in his first season as Mississippi State football coach.

Despite having one of the best running backs in the nation, the Bulldogs passed 77% of the time. They ranked dead last in FBS in rushing yards-per-game (43.9) by more than 20 yards. Don’t expect that formula to change this year.

Marks showed off his skills as a receiver as he led the team in receptions with 60. Walley was the team’s leading pass catcher with 718 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs have the potential to be one of the best passing attacks in the country if Rogers can continue to make progress in his sophomore season.

The Defense

Eight starters return on defense for Mississippi State football, including the entire secondary.

Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes finished with five interceptions as a freshman and cornerback Martin Emerson is back after a team-high 11 passes defended. They’ll get the benefit of going up against one of the best passing offenses in the SEC every day in practice.

The Bulldogs lose leading tackler Erroll Thompson, but bring back linebackers Aaron Brule and Tyrus Wheat, who combined for nine sacks in 2020. The Bulldogs ranked 10th in the SEC in total defense this past season, and have an opportunity to become a much-improved unit.

The Forecast

With 17 total starters back, it would be surprising if Mississippi State didn’t make some sort of progress this season.

Leach wasn’t able to run spring practice last year and the extra preparation time should certainly help. The defense was a bit underrated a year ago and gets the benefit of playing an easier schedule. The Bulldogs look like a problem in the SEC this season.

They should make a bowl game and have the potential to pull off a couple of upsets along the way.