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Sunday, September 5, 2010

SEC West Preview

Alabama

Last Year

How does Coach Nick Saban top last season? The Crimson Tide went 14-0, trashed Florida in the SEC Title game, and then held off a spirited Texas comeback in the National Championship game. The only way is to maintain that success, but that's easier said than done. They also have the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Mark Ingram, who played his best in big games. QB Greg McElroy, who does everything well except lose, was efficient last season as a game manager. The defense was outstanding, ranking 2nd in points allowed, run and total defense, and 10th against the pass. They are favorites to repeat this season, especially with 8 starters returning on offense, but only 2 return on defense. The team is loaded with talent, thanks to some top-notch recruiting, but another championship is no sure thing.

Offense

Greg McElroy (60.9% comp, 2508 yds, 17 TDs, 4 INTs) struggled a bit in the middle of the season, but got his mojo back in time for the title run. He should be given more opportunities to air it out this season. Redshirt freshman AJ McCarron looked great in the spring and will back up McElroy this season. Ingram (271-1658-17) is back to carry the load again this season, but reserve Trent Richardson (145-751-8), a Freshman All-American may be even better. He has yet to prove he can carry the load over a number of games, but there is no better backup in the NCAA. Three starters return from last season's offensive line – LT James Carpenter, a 2nd Team SEC choice, C William Vlachos; and RG Barrett Jones, a Freshman All-American. Joining them this season will be sophomore LG Chance Warmack, who played in 5 games last season, and redshirt freshman RT DJ Fluker, their top recruit last season. There is fine depth too, but the line is less experienced this year. Receiver Julio Jones (43-596-4) was banged up last season, but is one of the nation's best and could easily double his production. Marquis Maze (31-523-2) returns to start opposite him, but will share time with junior Darius Hanks (17-272-3). The reserve strength is very talented. Sophomore Michael Williams (3-29-0) takes over at Tight End this season. He started 3 games last season and played in all 14. He's an excellent blocker, but needs to work on his receiving. H-Back Preston Dial (3-25-0) is a good receiver and blocker. He should catch more passes this season. Unless the injury bug hits hard, this unit should be excellent again this season.

Defense

Although most of their starting defense has graduated, frequent rotation has ensured that most of the new starters have game experience. Junior Marcell Dareus (33 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 6.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 INT), the defensive MVP of the Championship game, will start at one End spot. Senior Luther Davis (11 tkls, 1.5 tfls) will start opposite him. Junior Josh Chapman (17 tkls, 2 tfls, .5 sack) will man the nose. The depth is talented but lacks a lot of experience. Sophomore MLB Don't'a Hightower (16 tkls, 3 tfls, 1 sack,1 PBU) started the season last year, but tore his ACL is week 4. He's back to lead a young but talented bunch. Senior Chavis Williams (2 tkls) will man the Strongside, with junior Jerrell Harris (3 tkls) opposite him. The "Jack" Linebacker will be manned by junior Courtney Upshaw (15 tkls, 1 sack). Depth is pretty much unproven, but loaded with top recruits. Secondary could be the biggest problem, with only SS Mark Barron (76 tkls, 3 tfls, .5 sack, 11 PBUs, 7 INTs), a 3rd Team All-American, returning. If he isn't over-stretched this season, he could push for 1st Team status. The FS will be sophomore Robert Lester (8 tkls), while the Corners will be JUCO DeQuan Menzie and sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick (8 tkls). There is some experience among the reserves. Saban will have his work cut out for him with this bunch, but they should be fantastic in 2011.

Special Teams

Kicker Leigh Tiffin, a vital part of last season's run, has graduated, and freshman Cade Foster is expected to take over. Punter PJ Fitzgerald has also moved on, and another freshman, either Jay Williams or Cody Mandell, must replace him. They also need new returners, as Javier Arenas is also gone. Expect Richardson to return kicks, with Jones on punts. Both have the ability to match Arenas' lofty stats (29.0 KR, 15.4, 1 TD PR). Kick coverage was surprisingly poor for the talent level, allowing 2 TDs, while punt coverage was mediocre at best. This group could cause some headaches for the coaching staff next season.

Next Season

Alabama may be favored to win it all again next season, but if they do, they will have deserved it. The offense should hum, but the defense and special teams are unproven. The OOC schedule isn't too bad, although a home game against Penn State should be tough. They also play San Jose State and FCS Georgia State at home and travel to Duke. From the East they get Florida at home, but have trips to South Carolina and Tennessee. In the West, they travel to offensive monster Arkansas and LSU, but get in-state rival Auburn at home. This division is tougher this season with both Arkansas and Auburn potential title contenders. There are interesting times ahead in Tuscaloosa.

Arkansas

Last Year

Coach Bobby Petrino is known for offense, and last season was no different, with the Razorbacks ranking 20th in total yardage and 9th in scoring. Unfortunately, the defense was susceptible to the big play and the team finished just 8-5 (3-5 SEC). The offense, led by Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett, struggled against better defenses too. Petrino's Louisville teams were strong both offensively and defensively, so expect the Razorbacks to improve in both departments this season. With 9 starters returning on offense and 7 on defense, together with at least a year's experience in the system for most of the starters, expect Arkansas to take a step forward this season and possibly contend for the West title.

Offense

Mallett (55.8% comp, 3624 yds, 30 TDs, 7 INTs) was superb on occasion last season, and poor on others, and needs to reach a happy medium. He turned down the chance to go pro this season for at least one (he's just a junior) more chance at a title here. He's not much of a running threat, but he is mobile and has all the tools to succeed at the next level. Sophomore Tyler Wilson (61.1% comp, 218 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) will back him up again this season. Petrino intends to run the ball more often this season and has a fine stable of Running Backs to do the job. Ronnie Wingo (49-319-3) will be the nominal starter, but expect to see Knile Davis (33-163-4), Broderick Green (104-442-11) and Dennis Johnson (57-342-0), depending on what the offense wants to do. Van Stumon will be the Fullback (2-4-0) when required. The offensive line will be both big and experienced. Ray Dominguez and DeMarcus Love will be the Tackles, with Wade Grayson and Grant Cook at the Guards. The Center will be Seth Oxner. The depth has some talent, but the unit is starter thin for the most part. This is not the case the receiving corps, which is loaded. Greg Childs (48-894-7), Jarius Wright (41-681-5) and Joe Adams (29-568-7) are as good a starting trio as there is in the country. Cobi Hamilton (19-347-3) leads a talented group of reserves. TE DJ Williams (32-411-3) will make a run at the Mackey Award this season, but needs to perform more consistently. Senior Ben Cleveland (3-33-0) will back him up. Watch for this offense to be even more dangerous this season.

Defense

The defense adopted a bend-but-don't-break philosophy last season that was relatively successful, with the team playing tough in the red zone, in addition to 30 takeaways. With seven starters back, they should be able to tighten up a little. Jake Bequette (39 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 5.5 sacks, 2 PBUs) and Zach Stadther (42 tkls, .5 tfl, .5 sack) return at End and Tackle respectively. Sophomore Tenarius Wright (34 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks) was excellent in relief and will start his season, assuming he gets back to full health after an injury in spring. Senior Patrick Jones (8 tkls, 1.5 tfls, .5 sack). There is some solid depth in reserve too. SLB Jerry Franklin (94 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 3 INTs) was voted 3rd Team SEC last season, but WLB Jerico Nelson (74 tkls, 4 tfls, 2.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) and new MLB, senior Jermaine Love (2 tkls) don't scare anyone. Improved tackling must be an offseason goal. There is experienced deep, but none are spectacular. The secondary has a number of players with starting experience and should be much better this season. Ramon Broadway (55 tkls, 2 tfls, 4 PBUs) and Rudell Crim (43 tkls, 2 tfls, 4 PBUs) should be back on the Corners this season. FS Tramain Thomas (32 tkls, 1 tfl, 3 INTs) started 4 last season and showed big-play ability. Anthony Leon (20 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 PBU) had a good spring and should start at SS. There is ample depth in the secondary. Expect the defense to be far more solid this season.

Special Teams

Alex Tejada (58/59 PATs, 16/22 FGs – 47 long) has never fully realised his promise as Kicker after a tantalising freshman season. He's been shaky in the offseason and may lose his job to sophomore Cameron Bryan. Punter Dylan Breeding (38.7 gross, 32.6 net) is going through the same problems and may be replaced by junior Nick Walters. Johnson (25.8 ypr, 1 TD) is an excellent kick returner, but a new PR needs to be found. Wright or one of the young receivers should take over. Kick coverage was okay, but punt coverage needs to be tightened up. Apart from kick returns, this unit is a question mark going into the season.

Next Season

With Mallett at the helm, the Razorbacks have a chance in any game, but he has to improve his consistency. The offense is loaded with talent, and the defense should be improved, so this could be a surprise West title team. The OOC schedule has home games against Tennessee Tech, Louisiana-Monroe and Texas-El Paso, and they play Texas A&M in Arlington. A&M will be tough, and should be fun to watch, but the other games are very winnable. They play Vanderbilt at home, but travel to Georgia and South Carolina from the East. Within the division, they travel to Auburn and Mississippi State, but get everyone else at home. After a couple of early lay-ups, Arkansas will show whether they're in business with games against Georgia and Alabama.

Auburn

Last Year

The signing of Coach Gene Chizik to replace successful Tommy Tuberville raised a few eyebrows amongst Tiger faithful after his less than stellar two year stint at Iowa State (5-19). However, with the help of co-ordinator Gus Malzahn amping up the offense, the Tigers managed an 8-5 (3-5 SEC) season, and started 5-0. A thin roster hurt them over the long term, particularly in conference play. The offense was good most of the season, but the defense was well below Auburn standards, finishing 68th nationally. Good recruiting classes haven't deepened the roster and brought in players suited to the system, and thing's look better for the future, even to the extent that they could be considered a SEC title contender this season.

Offense

QB Chris Todd took to the new offense like a duck to water, throwing 2612 yards and 22 TDs. Unfortunately, he's graduated, leaving a gaping hole at the position. That hole could be filled by superstar JUCO recruit Cameron Newton, formerly of Florida. He appears to be tailor-made for the job, and played some at Florida as well as leading Blinn JC to a title. Sophomore Barrett Trotter gave Newton a run for his money in camp and will back him up. RB Ben Tate and his 1362 yards and 10 TDs have graduated too, so do-it-all Mario Fannin (34-285-0) moves back from receiver to start. He has great speed, and looks to be over his fumblitis. He won't have to do it all himself either with last year's reserve, Onterrio McCalebb (105-565-4), returning too. Watch for top recruit Michael Dyer to see the field too. Four starting offensive linemen return from a group which allowed just 21 sacks and paved the way for 212 ypg (5.0 per carry). LT Lee Ziemba was 1st Team SEC, while C Ryan Pugh was 2nd. LG Mike Berry and RG Byron Isom have plenty of experience. The new Right Tackle will be junior AJ Greene, who lacks much experience. The depth chart is a mixture of experienced former high recruits and JUCOs, and should be one of top lines in the country. The receiving corps is also loaded, with starters Darvin Adams (60-997-10), who was 1st Team SEC, and Terrell Zachery (26-477-5), who ran for 214 yards and a TD on just 9 carries, back for more. Former QB Kodi Burns (5-46-1) will be the third receiver, and the depth chart consists of former top recruits. The Tight End will be sophomore Phillip Lutzenkirchen (5-66-2), while H-Back Eric Smith will be used as both a runner (20-99-1) and a receiver (18-226-1). If Newton can perform, and he should, this offense will be even more dangerous this season.

Defense

Chizik's main task will be to get the defense back to championship standard, and he has plenty back to work with. DE Antoine Carter (30 tkls, 3 tfls, 1.5 sacks) is back to start, with DT Mike Blanc (44 tkls, 3 tfls, 3.5 sacks, 3 PBUs) playing in a rotation with Nick Fairley (28 tkls, 2 tfls, 1.5 PBUs). The other End will be senior Michael Goggans (24 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, with senior Zach Clayton (7 tkls, 1 tfl) the other Tackle. They have some decent reserves and this could be the best line here in a while. The Linebackers should be a good crew, with MLB Josh Bynes (104 tkls, 5 tfls, 1 sack, 7 PBUs, 1 INT), who was 3rd Team SEC, and LOLB Craig Stevens (95 tkls, 5.5tfls, 2.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) back for more this season. Former safety Daren Bates (70 tkls, 2 tfls, .5 sack, 3 PBUs, 1 INT) moves into at ROLB. The reserves have plenty of talent and some former starters. The secondary wasn't great last year, but wasn't as bad as some would lead you to believe. The bowl game against Northwestern pushed their ypg up by about 40 yards, and they were solid for the most part. Neiko Thorpe (84 tkls, .5 tfl, 9 PBUs, 2 INTs) looked great in the offseason and returns at one Corner. Demond Washington (36 tkls, 1 sack, 4 PBUs) started 4 games last season and takes the other spot. Zac Etheridge (52 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 1 PBU) missed time last season, and spring camp, but is healthy now and resumes his spot at FS. Aairon Savage missed the last two years through injury, but is back this season and will move in at FS. With a mixture of former starters and top recruits in the reserves, the secondary should be back to form this season, as should the unit as a whole.

Special Teams

Kicker Wes Byrum (100% PATs, 15/16 FGs – 49 long) is back after missing just 1 FG last season. With the graduation of Clinton Durst, senior Ryan Shoemaker, who was 2nd Team SEC as a redshirt freshman, is back at Punter. The team hopes he can revert to that form. Washington (31.1 ypr, 1 TD) and Fannin (21.2 ypr) will return kicks again this season, with Quindarius Carr returning punts. The kick and punt coverage squads need to improve this season, with both allowing TDs in 2009.

Next Season

The Tigers should be a much better team this year, due to both talent and experience. They also have better pieces in place to run Chizik's spread offense, with speed at the skill position and a QB who looked great in the win over Arkansas State to start the season. The rest of the OOC schedule has home games against always-tough Clemson, Louisiana-Monroe and Tennessee-Chattanooga. The conference schedule is typically tough, and they get South Carolina and Georgia from the East at home, but travel to Kentucky. In the West, they travel to both Mississippis and Alabama. Going unbeaten won't be required for a BCS title shot in the SEC, but losing one game and beating Alabama will be. September 25th at home to South Carolina and their stingy defense will be a true test of how far this club can go this year, but 9 or 10 wins will probably be their most likely result.

Louisiana State

Last Year

Since their national title in 2007, the Tigers have been disappointing, going 8-5 in '08 and 9-4 (5-3 SEC) last year. Six of their losses in that span have been to Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss, to make matters worse. The defense has been pretty solid throughout, but last the offense was very poor, ranking 112th in total yards. The passing attack has been inconsistent at best with Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson each playing a year (or thereabouts). Last year, no Running Back stepped forward and the rushing attack struggled too. This is LSU, so talent is not an issue, just putting it all together. Things are looking better, and while the team may not compete for the title this season, watch out for them in 2011.

Offense

Jefferson (61.5% comp, 2166 yds, 17 TDs, 7 INTs) will start again this season, despite his inconsistency last season. Now a junior, he is expected to take a big leap forward. He's very good when he's on, and his mobility (112-171-1) is a bonus considering the protection he got last season. Lee (40% comp, 197 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT) will step in he goes down. Of the Backs who saw any decent playing time, only Stevan Ridley (45-180-3) returns and he picked up all his yardage in the last two games. He's quick, tough between the tackles and hits the hole hard. Richard Murphy (2-10-0) missed most of last year with injury but will be the nominal starter. Expect to see plenty of both backs, as well as speedy redshirt freshman Michael Ford. Sophomore Dominique Allen will be the new Fullback. It won't matter who's running if the line don't block for them. LT Joseph Barksdale and LG Josh Dworaczyk will both return, but C T-Bob Hebert has lost his spot to sophomore RJ Lonergan. Junior Will Blackwell has played a lot in the rotation and will be the Right Guard. Sophomore Alex Hurst will man the other Tackle spot. He played in every game last year and was the best player in spring camp. Terrance Tolliver (53-735-3) returns for his senior year after a good season last year. Deangelo Peterson (5-82-2) will start opposite him. Expect to see former top recruit Reuben Randle (11-173-2) when a third receiver is required. Watch out also for former QB Russell Shepard as both a runner (45-277-2) and receiver (5-34-0). Sophomore Chase Clement will be the TE, backed up by fellow sophomore Tyler Edwards. If the line can gel quickly, the offense should be better this season.

Defense

The defense was poor by LSU standards, but decent otherwise apart from the occasional lapse. Like the offense, there's a youth movement happening this year that should bode well for 2011. DT Pep Levingston (28 tkls, 8 tfls, 4 PBUs) is the only returning lineman, but he's a tough run stuffer. Senior Drake Nevis (50 tkls, 7 tfls, 4 sacks, 2 PBUs) has been a key member of the rotation and gets to start this season. JUCO Kendrick Adams and sophomore Lavar Edwards (23 tkls, 2 tfls, 2.5 sacks, 2 PBUs) will be the Ends. There is plenty of talent in reserve, and this unit could be better this season. Kelvin Sheppard (110 tkls, 7.5 tfls, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) returns at MLB who is one of the leaders of the defense. Juniors Stefoin Francois (8 tkls) and Ryan Baker (17 tkls, 1 sack, 1 PBU) will man the Strong and Weak sides respectively. The reserve strength is talented, but there is a worrying dip in experience this season. 2nd Team SEC Corner Patrick Peterson (52 tkls, 13 PBUs, 2 INTs) returns and will contend for All-American honors this year. SS Brandon Taylor (41 tkls, 1 tfl, 4 PBUs, 2 INTs) is solid in the middle. Sophomore CB Morris Claiborne (7 tkls) and senior FS Jai Eugene (26 tkls, 1 PBU, 1 INT), who has started in the past, will take the other two spots. There is good depth and this group could be excellent. The defense should be better this year, but could be dominant in 2011.

Special Teams

Kicker Josh Jasper (100% PATs, 17/20 FGs – 52 long) was very good last season, and should continue to excel in 2010. Punter Derek Helton (40.0 gross, 37.4 net) is a tremendous placement punter. Trindon Holliday's graduation leaves a big hole in the return game. Ron Brooks (19.4) will return kicks again with help Peterson, who will also return punts. Both coverage units were excellent and there's no reason to doubt they will be this year. This unit should be one of the best in the country again this season.

Next Season

Even if Jefferson takes a big step forward this season, this team isn't quite ready to play for the West title. They should be improved, and will ruin someone else's shot, but lack the overall depth to keep up the pace in the tough SEC. Their OOC schedule is a mixed bag. With a way too scary win over a depleted North Carolina under their belt, they also face West Virginia, McNeese State and Louisiana-Monroe at home. From the East they get Tennessee at home, Vanderbilt and Florida away. They also most travel to potential title contenders Auburn and Arkansas. Another "mediocre" season is most likely in store, but watch for the 2011 edition to make a run at a BCS title.

Mississippi

Last Year

After being a trendy pick by many to win the SEC last season, Ole Miss managed a 9-4 (4-4 SEC) record despite star QB Jevan Snead throwing the ball to the opposition far too often. The offense wasn't bad, with Dexter McCluster rushing for nearly 1200 yards, and receiver Shay Hodge catching 70 passes for 1100+. The run defense struggled at times, and slipped from '08's unit, but the pass defense was outstanding and the pass rush netted 36 sacks. Nutt has done a solid job here, but could suffer through a tough year with only 1 offensive starter returning. Coach David Cutcliffe was fired for not matching the school's lofty expectations and a bad season for Nutt could lead to his seat becoming unnecessarily warm.

Offense

The Rebels got an unexpected bonus when Oregon transfer Jeremiah Masoli (58% comp, 2147 yds, 15 TDs, 6 INTs) was cleared to play this year. If he can stay out of trouble (no guarantee) he's a threat as both a passer and a runner (121-668-13). Nathan Stanley (47.8% comp, 163 yds, TD, INT) will back him up. At Running Back, Brandon Bolden (129-614-4) is a good runner and should carry the load this year. His backups will be junior Enrique Davis (32-110-2) and sophomore Rodney Scott (35-138-2). The threat of Masoli running will make life a bit easier for these guys, but only one starter returning on the offensive line won't. LT Bradley Sowell is solid though. New Right Tackle, sophomore Bobby Massie, started five games, and junior RG Rishaw Johnson started four. Junior LG Alex Washington started 1 game and played in all 13, while sophomore C AJ Hawkins played in 10. This line is unproven as a unit, and the depth lacks experience though. The receivers have lots of experience, but none of the current crop has come close to matching their potential. Sophomores Melvin Harris (1-5-0) and Jesse Grandy (4-43-0) get the nod this season, but expect to see a frequent rotation. They need a go-to target to step forward though. Sophomore TE Ferbia Allen (6-46-0) will be backed up by senior Reggie Hicks (1-20-0). Bolden is a good receiver and should catch more passes this season. Masoli and Bolden may have to carry this offense on their own unless some receivers come through.

Defense

The defense will be in better shape, especially on the defensive line. Not only do both tackles, 2nd Team SEC Jerrell Powe (34 tkls, 9 tfls, 3 sacks) and Lawon Scott (24 tkls), return, but so do their primary reserves. Kentrell Lockett (39 tkls, 5 tfls, 5 sacks, 1 PBU) returns at End and will be joined this year by JUCO Wayne Dorsey, who has the look of a dangerous pass rusher. The depth chart is loaded, and this could be the best line in the SEC this season. MLB Jonathon Cornell (79 tkls, 7.5 tfls, .5 sack, 2 PBUs) and SLB Allen Walker (51 tkls, 4 tfls, 1 sack, 5 PBUs) return and will be joined by sophomore WLB Joel Kight (18 tkls). The reserve strength has talent but lacks experience. Only SS Johnny Brown (81 tkls, 4 tfls, 5 PBUs, 1 INT) returns in the secondary, but he's decent. The new Free Safety will be JUCO Damien Jackson, while the Corners will be junior Marcus Temple (16 tkls, 1 PBU, 1 INT) and senior Jeremy McGee (19 tkls, 1 sack, 3 PBUs, 1 INT). The reserve strength lacks experience and will suffer some growing pains this season, but might not suffer too much with many conference foes breaking in new QBs. The defense should suffer a reverse from last season with a stronger run defense, but weaker against the pass.

Special Teams

Ole Miss will be breaking in a new Kicker, Bryson Rose, who has looked good in camp. Punter Tyler Campbell (44.0 gross, 36.7 net) had a decent freshman year and should improve even more this season. Grandy (25.7 ypr, 2 TDs) is an excellent KR, and will take on the punt return job too this season. Kick coverage was so-so, but punt coverage was pretty good. If Rose works out, this should be a solid unit again this season.

Next Season

The Rebels are not going to be anyone's pick for the SEC title this season. Making a bowl could be a challenge. Picking four easy OOC games – FCS Jacksonville State (home), Tulane (away), Fresno State (home) and Louisiana-Lafayette (home) – should have helped, but after losing to JSU in the opener, all bets are off. They get the bottom half of the East – Vanderbilt and Kentucky at home and Tennessee away, and also get Mississippi State at home, but they travel to Alabama, Arkansas and LSU. This could be a long season for Rebel faithful.

Mississippi State

Last Year

Last year the Bulldog's offense had a resurgence and played better than they have in years, at least running the ball. The passing game was still a problem, and actually regressed. The defense had its off days, but has some talent returning. Coach Dan Mullen only managed a 5-7 (3-5 SEC) record, but looks to have the team on the upswing. The talent isn't quite there for the team to contend quite yet, but there could be more upsets like the win over Ole Miss last season.

Offense

QB will still be an issue this season. Chris Relf (53.7% comp, 283 yds, 5 TDs, 3 INTs) didn't throw much, nor is he particularly good there, but was excellent running the ball (76-500-2). Redshirt freshman Tyler Russell is the better passer. Neither is particularly experienced, the both will likely play a lot this season, depending on the situation. Running Back will also adopt a committee approach with star rusher Anthony Dixon's graduation. Junior Robert Elliott (44-221-1), JUCO Vick Ballard and redshirt freshman LaDarius Perkins will share the load this season. All have good potential and bring different skills to the table. Patrick Hanrahan will be the Fullback (1-(-1)-0). Paving the way will be an offensive line that returns four starters and was much improved last season. LT Derek Sherrod was 2nd Team SEC, and LG Quentin Saulsberry and Center JC Brignone are multi-year staters. Tackle Addison Lawrence had a solid first season as a starter and will be joined on the right by sophomore Guard Tobias Smith. The depth has talent but not much experience, but this is still the Bulldogs' best line in years. The starting receivers, sophomore Chad Bumphis (32-375-4) and senior Leon Berry (14-170-0) are decent, but depth is this and injuries could be disastrous. Tight End is in good shape though. Junior Marcus Green (27-306-3) started six games last season and did a fine job. Backup Kendrick Cook (1-13-0) is capable of better and should get the chance now he's second on the depth chart. If the receivers can stay healthy and the QBs can develop a semblance of a passing attack, the offense could improve further this season.

Defense

The defense has some decent talent coming back, not least of whom is DE Pernell McPhea (56 tkls, 7 tfls, 5 sacks, 4 PBUs), a 2nd Team SEC choice. He's the only returning starter on the defensive line, though. The other End is sophomore Nick Bell (15 tkls, 2 tfls, .5 sack). The Tackles are sophomores Josh Boyd (17 tkls) and Fletcher Cox (29 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 1 sack). All three have played in the rotation and appear ready for a full-time role. The depth is pretty good and they may be able to muster a pass rush this season. Two Linebackers return, Chris White (75 tkls, 3.5 tfls, .5 sack, 3 PBUs), who's moving to the middle, and KJ Wright (82 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 2 PBUs) at SLB. Sophomore Cameron Lawrence (14 tkls) will be the new WLB. There's some decent experience among the reserves too. Both Safeties return in the secondary, with Charles Mitchell (64 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 2 PBUs, 4 INTs) at Strong and Jonathon Banks (33 tkls, 3 PBUs, 4 INTs) at Free. The new Corners, senior Maurice Langston (16 tkls, 2.5 tfls) and sophomore Corey Broomfield (19 tkls, 1 tfl, 4 PBUs, 6 INTs), both started on occasion last season an looked good. The defense should take a step forward next season, despite the losses.

Special Teams

MSU used two Kickers last season, Derek DePasquale (100% PATs, 10/12 FGs – 48 long) and Sean Brauchle (100% PATs, 6/9 FGs – 49 long), and both return. They'll probably both be used again this season. Heath Hutchins (39.7 gross, 34.0 net) is a decent Punter, but could improve his distance a bit. Berry (26.7 ypr, 1 TD) and Bumphis (23.9 ypr) were decent returning kicks last season. Berry (7.7 ypr) could be better returning punts though. Coverage units were mediocre. The unit as a whole should be reasonably solid again this season.

Next Season

Last year's OOC schedule included tough Georgia Tech and Houston last season, and probably cost the Bulldog's a bowl shot. This year they still have a trip to Houston, but have Memphis (who they've beaten), FCS Alcorn State and UAB at home. From the East they get Georgia, Florida (away) and Kentucky, while in the West they travel to LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss. This team lacks great depth, so if they can stay healthy, a bowl game could be on the horizon.

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