Myth Busting - "All State's best players are about to leave, they will suck again"

[EAVdog]

I've heard this numerous times, and it's seeping into the National Media a little.

Yes we had a lot of Seniors this year but look at our roster, and recruiting rankings, and our best players are just starting to get decent playtime. The 2012 and 2013 Classes were demonstrable better than the 2010 and 2011 classes where most of our graduating Seniors come from. The 2014 class rankings wise is in the 2010/2011 level but the 2015 class will end up being one of the best we've had since Jackie. There will be immediate help in the 2015 class with the JUCO players to fill needs.

Our best players haven't even hit their stride yet. Some haven't even hit the field.

We are 2nd in the SEC West this year with a team built around 2 classes that were ranked @ 34. Our next two classes are ranked at 24, these are the next level of players our team will be built around next year. And the 2015 and 2016 classes will be in the 15-20 range. You see where I'm going with this?

[ShotgunDawg]

Yes, and the media is ignorant, but I've determined that the media just doesn't get it. We can tell them the truth to their faces all day, but they won't understand. That being said, we have to earn our place, and winning 10 games in one year doesn't do that. It's almost easier to earn respect by recruiting well for one year than it is to earn respect by actually winning games.

In the media's minds, we are a fluke, and I don't get the feeling they particularly like Dan Mullen, which actually may help us keep him in the long run. If we win 9 or 10 games again next season, then the respect for our program will begin to grow.

I'm interested to see how many years Mullen has to win before the media stops expecting him to leave.

[Irondawg]

If Dak and J-rob had announced they were leaving this would have some merit but right now I don't see any reason we can produce similar results next year. Odds are the o-line will drop a little bit and the DL will probably drop but on the flip side our secondary can't get worse and if we find 2 safeties could greatly improve. Our WR's are getting better and better and we added Gray would should be an explosive kick returner.

Other than Preston we don't lose a lot of our "big play" guys on either side (as much as i like B-Mac, how many huge plays do you remember him making?).

[ShotgunDawg]

If Dak and J-rob had announced they were leaving this would have some merit but right now I don't see any reason we can produce similar results next year. Odds are the o-line will drop a little bit and the DL will probably drop but on the flip side our secondary can't get worse and if we find 2 safeties could greatly improve. Our WR's are getting better and better and we added Gray would should be an explosive kick returner.

Other than Preston we don't lose a lot of our "big play" guys on either side (as much as i like B-Mac, how many huge plays do you remember him making?).

The thing is, the offensive line may take a step back early in the year, but will be more talented than this years. It makes me wonder if our O-line could be really good at some point next year.

[thedawg]

The media is too lazy to do actual research... So an outsider looks at a upper class heavy team... so so recruiting rankings over the last four years and they assume we will fall off... They fail to take into account these seniors that won 10 games were ranked so so and we are following the same blueprint... We will win 8-10 in the regular season again if Dak stays healthy... book it

[dawgpound]

The Media doesn't watch us enough to even know... they just see that we have some seniors leaving and think we will be much worse next year which wont be the case at all... we have some great players coming up but i dont care about recruiting rankings

[Chip]

The line I hear from Rebellious Black Bears is that 18 of our 22 starters were seniors and are leaving. They literally quote a number. My response is a) not true and b) if so, research and then name the four players/positions where MSU will have returning starters.

It's a pushed talking point they're using. Nothing more.

[HoopsDawg]

The line I hear from Rebellious Black Bears is that 18 of our 22 starters were seniors and are leaving. They literally quote a number. My response is a) not true and b) if so, research and then name the four players/positions where MSU will have returning starters.

It's a pushed talking point they're using. Nothing more.

We are losing 10 impactful players. That's nothing to sneeze at. I do feel we have adequate replacements at most of those positions.

1. Preston Smith
2. Matt Wells
3. B-Mac
4. Malcolm Johnson
5. Clausell
6. Beckwith
7. Day
8. Love
9. PJ Jones
10. Eulls

[thedawg]

I just looked at our depth chart for the Ole Miss game... 13 of our 22 starters are seniors.. Not 18

Of those...
we lose Robert Johnson and replace him probably with Fred Ross
Jameon Lewis... to Donald Gray, Gabe Myles, Jamoral Graham
Blaine Clausell... We just signed the number Juco offensive linemen in the nation yesterday
Ben Beckwith.... under amour all american Devon Desper
Dillon Day... Jamal Clayborn
PJ Jones... Chris Jones
Kaleb Eulls.. Nelson Adams
Preston Smith.. AJ Jefferson or Johnathan Calvin
Matt Wells.. Trevor Jung or JT Gray
McKinney... Richie Brown
Jamerson Love... Will Redmond
Jay Hughes... maybe Jay Hughes if he gets sixth year.. if not Market or Brandon Bryant

So yeah there is a little drop off at some of the spots... there is also some talent upgrade at some of the spots to.. The only senior we dont have a clue who the replacement is Malcolm Johnson... Either way the cupboard is far from dry

[Bama_Dawg]

The "Media" will always be on top of us and try to push us down (Shepard Smith comes to mind). Why? We are a blue collar school and no one in the media respects people that work hard. The media itself is a white collar world and none of them ever had to get dirty (be a blue collar worker) to get where they are. Mississippi State turns out blue collar grads that bust their butts in this world. The TSUNs of this world don't know how to work (I'm sure some of them do). When they graduate they get handed Daddy's law firm or medical practice and they are set for life. (I know, I'm generalizing, and there are some real blue collar Rebs out there)

There are those of us that do get white collar jobs, but its because we've paid our dues and showed our worth at our blue collar jobs. The only real degrees we turn to directly to the media are Meteorologists, and we turn out some damn fine ones. We've got the national championships to prove it.

So, rant over, but to your point: Mississippi State will always be under the microscope from the media, NCAA, other SEC Schools and their fan bases, and even ourselves.

The guys we picked up yesterday will have an immediate impact: Bolster the O-line and moving the return game in the right direction.

Dak and J-Rob should be back next year (hopefully) and Jay Hughes keeps commenting on how good we will be next year, and I believe him. Can you guys believe, its really possible that we are better next year than this year? How great will that be? On the road in College Station, The Plains, and Fayeteville next year will be big challenges, but I like the other games at home. Gonna be a fun year.

[ShotgunDawg]

The Media doesn't watch us enough to even know... they just see that we have some seniors leaving and think we will be much worse next year which wont be the case at all... we have some great players coming up but i dont care about recruiting rankings

We were the 5th most watched team in college football this season, so this probably doesn't hold up.

It's more of a lack of research and awareness of the depth of our team.

[Bama_Dawg]

We were the 5th most watched team in college football this season, so this probably doesn't hold up.

It's more of a lack of research and awareness of the depth of our team.

Being on TV and having viewers is not the media. Reporters, talk radio, print, are the media I speak. The media does not watch us. My examples are the numerous times Verne and Gary just fumbled our broadcasts.

[ShotgunDawg]

we lose Robert Johnson and replace him probably with Fred Ross - Massive talent upgrade, and he already out produced Johnson
Jameon Lewis... to Donald Gray, Gabe Myles, Jamoral Graham Talent upgrade and since Jameon barely played this year, this is irrelevant.
Blaine Clausell... We just signed the number Juco offensive linemen in the nation yesterday Talent upgrade, massive experience downgrade. Should be better late in season
Ben Beckwith.... under amour all american Devon Desper Slight talent upgrade, leadership and experience downgrade. Played well against A&M. Capable
Dillon Day... Jamal Clayborn Talent upgrade, experience & leadership downgrade
PJ Jones... Chris Jones Talent upgrade, this is more about depth. Who takes Jones' spot?
Kaleb Eulls.. Nelson Adams Talent is similar or slight downgrade. More about who takes Adams' spot for depth
Preston Smith.. AJ Jefferson or Johnathan Calvin Talent, leadership, & experience downgrade. Need someone to step up here
Matt Wells.. Trevor Jung or JT Gray Not sure. Hopefully equal talent, but experience & leadership downgrade
McKinney... Richie Brown Downgrade, but capable. More about Gerrie Green than Richie Brown
Jamerson Love... Will Redmond Upgrade, more about who takes Redmond's spot
Jay Hughes... maybe Jay Hughes if he gets sixth year.. if not Market or Brandon Bryant talent upgrade, downgrade in experience and leadership

[I seen it dawg]

Only way to prove it is win 9-10 next year.

[HoopsDawg]

I just looked at our depth chart for the Ole Miss game... 13 of our 22 starters are seniors.. Not 18

Of those...
we lose Robert Johnson and replace him probably with Fred Ross
Jameon Lewis... to Donald Gray, Gabe Myles, Jamoral Graham
Blaine Clausell... We just signed the number Juco offensive linemen in the nation yesterday
Ben Beckwith.... under amour all american Devon Desper
Dillon Day... Jamal Clayborn
PJ Jones... Chris Jones
Kaleb Eulls.. Nelson Adams
Preston Smith.. AJ Jefferson or Johnathan Calvin
Matt Wells.. Trevor Jung or JT Gray
McKinney... Richie Brown
Jamerson Love... Will Redmond
Jay Hughes... maybe Jay Hughes if he gets sixth year.. if not Market or Brandon Bryant

So yeah there is a little drop off at some of the spots... there is also some talent upgrade at some of the spots to.. The only senior we dont have a clue who the replacement is Malcolm Johnson... Either way the cupboard is far from dry

5 Biggest losses:

Preston Smith is a big loss b/c he provided a pass rush off the Edge. I don't have any confidence that we have a replacement for him.
We don't have an adequate replacement for Malcolm Johnson.
We have some people that can step in for Matt Wells, but they don't have his coverage ability.
B-Mac wasn't used properly so his loss wont be as big, but it always hurts losing a 2nd rounder.
Blaine Clausell, just b/c it always hurts losing a 4 year starter at LT.

[Bama_Dawg]

Only way to prove it is win 9-10 next year.

I disagree.

We gotta win the SEC and be in the Playoffs. 9 or 10 won't get us there.

I love the new mindset for the FB program. Let's go find us a DC....

[thedawg]

we lose Robert Johnson and replace him probably with Fred Ross - Massive talent upgrade, and he already out produced Johnson
Jameon Lewis... to Donald Gray, Gabe Myles, Jamoral Graham Talent upgrade and since Jameon barely played this year, this is irrelevant.
Blaine Clausell... We just signed the number Juco offensive linemen in the nation yesterday Talent upgrade, massive experience downgrade. Should be better late in season
Ben Beckwith.... under amour all american Devon Desper Slight talent upgrade, leadership and experience downgrade. Played well against A&M. Capable
Dillon Day... Jamal Clayborn Talent upgrade, experience & leadership downgrade
PJ Jones... Chris Jones Talent upgrade, this is more about depth. Who takes Jones' spot?
Kaleb Eulls.. Nelson Adams Talent is similar or slight downgrade. More about who takes Adams' spot for depth
Preston Smith.. AJ Jefferson or Johnathan Calvin Talent, leadership, & experience downgrade. Need someone to step up here
Matt Wells.. Trevor Jung or JT Gray Not sure. Hopefully equal talent, but experience & leadership downgrade
McKinney... Richie Brown Downgrade, but capable. More about Gerrie Green than Richie Brown
Jamerson Love... Will Redmond Upgrade, more about who takes Redmond's spot
Jay Hughes... maybe Jay Hughes if he gets sixth year.. if not Market or Brandon Bryant talent upgrade, downgrade in experience and leadership

Defensive Line Reserves become Nick James, Corey Thomas, and maybe Hoyette. I dont anticipate any of the freshmen being ready
At MLB McKinney is great and you never just replace a first round pick if you have to having Brown and Green is as good as you can get on the replacement front
Corner.. you have Cleveland as third guy and probably Giles as 4th but Townsend loves Chris Rayford.. He was valedictorian of his class so Im sure hes a smart player
at OLB... I love Jungs film.. you need to watch it if you havent and JT Gray will be a stud for us somewhere either here or SS

[ShotgunDawg]

5 Biggest losses:

Preston Smith is a big loss b/c he provided a pass rush off the Edge. I don't have any confidence that we have a replacement for him.
We don't have an adequate replacement for Malcolm Johnson.
We have some people that can step in for Matt Wells, but they don't have his coverage ability.
B-Mac wasn't used properly so his loss wont be as big, but it always hurts losing a 2nd rounder.
Blaine Clausell, just b/c it always hurts losing a 4 year starter at LT.

Good list. I agree.

We really need Coleman or someone else to step up at DE.
We have to hope that Rankins is just that good and can replace Clausell.
We just have to hope that Jung is that good as well. People say he has NFL ability
As for TE, we have to hope that Ravian Pierce gets cleared in the next few weeks, is able to go through Spring practice, and is able to contribute next fall. Also, hopefully, Hutchison takes a step forward, as his height could add an interesting dimension.

[BrunswickDawg]

we lose Robert Johnson and replace him probably with Fred Ross - Massive talent upgrade, and he already out produced Johnson
Jameon Lewis... to Donald Gray, Gabe Myles, Jamoral Graham Talent upgrade and since Jameon barely played this year, this is irrelevant.
Blaine Clausell... We just signed the number Juco offensive linemen in the nation yesterday Talent upgrade, massive experience downgrade. Should be better late in season
Ben Beckwith.... under amour all american Devon Desper Slight talent upgrade, leadership and experience downgrade. Played well against A&M. Capable
Dillon Day... Jamal Clayborn Talent upgrade, experience & leadership downgrade
PJ Jones... Chris Jones Talent upgrade, this is more about depth. Who takes Jones' spot?
Kaleb Eulls.. Nelson Adams Talent is similar or slight downgrade. More about who takes Adams' spot for depth
Preston Smith.. AJ Jefferson or Johnathan Calvin Talent, leadership, & experience downgrade. Need someone to step up here
Matt Wells.. Trevor Jung or JT Gray Not sure. Hopefully equal talent, but experience & leadership downgrade
McKinney... Richie Brown Downgrade, but capable. More about Gerrie Green than Richie Brown
Jamerson Love... Will Redmond Upgrade, more about who takes Redmond's spot
Jay Hughes... maybe Jay Hughes if he gets sixth year.. if not Market or Brandon Bryant talent upgrade, downgrade in experience and leadership

All of this points to where the 1a/1b crap could have a positive impact in 2015. All but the JUCO guys have meaningful game experience, so at least they aren't going to be thrown to the wolves. They may get burned, but it won't be because they are So. or Jrs. who have never seen the field and are about to puke from the pressure.

ETA: This is not meant to be an endorsement of the 1a/1b program.

[ShotgunDawg]

I disagree.

We gotta win the SEC and be in the Playoffs. 9 or 10 won't get us there.

I love the new mindset for the FB program. Let's go find us a DC....

Simmer down fella, we all want to make the playoffs, but you have to be realistic as well. 9 wins next year would be great and would more than keep us going in the right direction.

[thedawg]

Steve did an interview with Pierce today and it sounds promising that he will be here in January... He also said on his board yesterday that Coleman is a quick twitch pass rush specialist and that Johnathan Calvin is a more complete DE.. . AJ plays with relentless effort and we know Ryan Brown can play... would be nice if Torrey Dale would come on but Im not sure thats in the cards

[EAVdog]

Preston Smith was a very good player but he also benefited from some amazing DT play. From the 1A's and 1B's.

If someone had the time it would be awesome to tally up how much time the 1B's played and of those who will be a 1A next year due to Graduation. I bet a lot of guys like the Brown Bro's played 40-50% of the snaps over the course of a year. And played well. Richie Brown made some phenomenal plays this year as a backup.

My only concern next year is the OL. But we are not in that bad a shape. We have Joc Johnson (who redhsirted), Justin Senior, and now Martinas Rankin as our 3 tackles. That is probably better trio than what we had this year, at least even? We need to identify a Center and get he and Dak comfortable together. I think we're fine at Guard, we've always had good Guard play with Hevesy/Mullen and this scheme.

[Bama_Dawg]

Simmer down fella, we all want to make the playoffs, but you have to be realistic as well. 9 wins next year would be great and would more than keep us going in the right direction.

No down-simmering necessary...Mullen expects us to compete for championships and we should too. Yes, we do have to be realistic, but in the new Dawg era, I certainly believe it is.

[Ifyouonlyknew]

I think Ryan Brown is going to have a really good Sr year. Maybe not Preston good but be a force off the edge. What our defense needs to take that next step is for Chris Jones to live up to his draft projection & have a Fletcher Cox type Jr year. If he becomes that dynamic unblockable force in the middle of our defense then we will be fine.

[thedawg]

We have certainly more talent coming back on the Oline and will ultimately be fine but you arnt gonna just replace those guys experience.... We will hurt up front early... and all the boo birds will come back out bad mouthing Hevesy and his recruiting misses... thats going to happen 100%

[EAVdog]

Simmer down fella, we all want to make the playoffs, but you have to be realistic as well. 9 wins next year would be great and would more than keep us going in the right direction.

Next year the window is still open, slightly. Bama/Auburn/LSU/Ole Miss all will have either new QB's or the same shitty on in the case of LSU. LSU, Ole Miss, and Bama at home helps. Arkansas and Missouri on the road are going to be tough. The SEC West will still be murderer's row but we'll have the best and most experienced QB coming back for sure.

I think our absolute floor next year is 8-4. Ceiling is 12-0.

[ShotgunDawg]

Next year the window is still open, slightly. Bama/Auburn/LSU/Ole Miss all will have either new QB's or the same shitty on in the case of LSU. LSU, Ole Miss, and Bama at home helps. Arkansas and Missouri on the road are going to be tough. The SEC West will still be murderer's row but we'll have the best and most experienced QB coming back for sure.

Completely agree. We will have every opportunity to do something special again next year. I was just making a point that winning 9 games would still help us in the effort to gain respect.

[Ifyouonlyknew]

We have certainly more talent coming back on the Oline and will ultimately be fine but you arnt gonna just replace those guys experience.... We will hurt up front early... and all the boo birds will come back out bad mouthing Hevesy and his recruiting misses... thats going to happen 100%

Yea they don't have the experience as the 3 we lost but unlike those guys they're not just getting thrown into the fire unprepared either. Clayborn & Desper have both started games in the SEC. Those experiences are invaluable. Plus they've been in the program going on 3 & 4 years so they know what to expect & what to do. They're not thinking out there they're playing.

[EAVdog]

We have certainly more talent coming back on the Oline and will ultimately be fine but you arnt gonna just replace those guys experience.... We will hurt up front early... and all the boo birds will come back out bad mouthing Hevesy and his recruiting misses... thats going to happen 100%

Yeah notice how Hevesy gets 0% credit for Martinas Rankin signing yesterday? Head to Head against the mighty Freeze to boot.

[ShotgunDawg]

We have certainly more talent coming back on the Oline and will ultimately be fine but you arnt gonna just replace those guys experience.... We will hurt up front early... and all the boo birds will come back out bad mouthing Hevesy and his recruiting misses... thats going to happen 100%

This is where having an awesome Sr. QB, RB, and experience at WR will help immensely. Dak should be able to read defenses exceptionally well next year with all his experience, and get us into the correct play most every time. This will really help the line.

We will be more talented on the line next year, and, due to that, as the season progresses and these guys get more experience, we should grow and continually get better, assuming we stay healthy.

[GTHOM]

There is no reason for this team to not compete for the SEC west next year. We bring back the best QB in the conference (heisman contender), JRob, one of the best RBs in the conference, the o line will be more talented, clayborne and desper are good. theyve already played and showed it in SEC games. Rankin is much more talented than clausell. the o line will be better next year than it was this year. WRs will be much better, I would say losing Jameon hurts but we won 10 games with him being out for the majority of the time. We wont be bad at TE with Walley and Hutcherson. Hutcherson has the size to be a NFL player. Hoping Rashaun Dixon comes on and that we get Ravian Pierce this class. Offensively we will be one of the best in the SEC again, just hope the coaches learn to adjust in big games. Defensively we lose some up front but we replace them with more than capable players. AJ Jefferson is good, ryan brown is good, nelson adams is good, chris jones needs to have a 1st round type year. the LBs will be fine. brown brothers are both very smart players can help the whole defense make up for lack of experience a little bit. the secondary will be improved. Season will hinge on that LSU game early in the year, we win sky is the limit. And we should win.

[thedawg]

Yeah notice how Hevesy gets 0% credit for Martinas Rankin signing yesterday? Head to Head against the mighty Freeze to boot.

or the really quality high school guys we have committed... or that he made a walk on into an all american..or the Under Armor All american that has waited his turn... or Jamal Clayborn who will probably have a shot at the NFL that we identified and signed... or Jake Thomas who is waiting his turn... or I could go on... We missed on Stallings and Rawlings flipped to his child hood favorite and people kept repeating over and over again Hevesy was an asshole and couldnt recruit until so many people repeated it that it became fact

[scottycameron]

what's up with all the new bear posters the last couple days?

[EAVdog]

or the really quality high school guys we have committed... or that he made a walk on into an all american..or the Under Armor All american that has waited his turn... or Jamal Clayborn who will probably have a shot at the NFL that we identified and signed... or Jake Thomas who is waiting his turn... or I could go on... We missed on Stallings and Rawlings flipped to his child hood favorite and people kept repeating over and over again Hevesy was an asshole and couldnt recruit until so many people repeated it that it became fact

Don't forget he made Deon Mix cry.

[Jack Lambert]

I am convince that most of the media thinks it is still 1997 in Starkville.

[codeDawg]

B-Mac didn't make a lot of huge individual plays, but he cleaned up a lot of other people's mistakes. He stopped a lot of runs that could have been home runs at the LOS.

[Covercorner2]

We will be just as good next year. There are 3 things that we need to take the next step because other teams in the West will improve. In order of importance:
1. Safeties
2. A pass rusher
3. A TE

That's really all it boils down to IMO. The most important players this spring and fall will be Jamal Peters, Brandon Bryant, JT Gray, Will Coleman, Jonathan Calvin, and Ravian Pierce...

I'm not concerned about the OL. We have AT LEAST 10 guys that can play:
Senior
Clayborne
Malone
Rankin
Desper
Flowers
Thomas
Johnson
Warren
Jenkins/Calhoun/Carter

[justwin]

I've heard this numerous times, and it's seeping into the National Media a little.

Yes we had a lot of Seniors this year but look at our roster, and recruiting rankings, and our best players are just starting to get decent playtime. The 2012 and 2013 Classes were demonstrable better than the 2010 and 2011 classes where most of our graduating Seniors come from. The 2014 class rankings wise is in the 2010/2011 level but the 2015 class will end up being one of the best we've had since Jackie. There will be immediate help in the 2015 class with the JUCO players to fill needs.

Our best players haven't even hit their stride yet. Some haven't even hit the field.

We are 2nd in the SEC West this year with a team built around 2 classes that were ranked @ 34. Our next two classes are ranked at 24, these are the next level of players our team will be built around next year. And the 2015 and 2016 classes will be in the 15-20 range. You see where I'm going with this?

It's all about the QB @ MSU..plenty of RBs, Defenders, OL, etc forever. Before Mullen, QB was a net negative. Under Mullen, it's a net positive +. All of the people that scored TDs are back next year.

MSU has had two 7-0 starts in the last 3 seasons. MSU was a last second score away from being 3-0 vs Auburn last 3 seasons. For the most part, MSU has played Bama closer than anyone else the last 3 seasons. 10+ wins next year and this should reside & we're going to beat Bama @ home next year which will help too.

[justwin]

It's more about Mullen beating Bama now. Beat Bama = Nat'l cred. We should beat them next year @ our place. Mullen has beaten everyone in the SEC except USC & Bama & Mizzou.




I'm interested to see how many years Mullen has to win before the media stops expecting him to leave.

[justwin]

Our OL will be fine. We have a very good OL coach in Hevesy.


The thing is, the offensive line may take a step back early in the year, but will be more talented than this years. It makes me wonder if our O-line could be really good at some point next year.

[justwin]

Only way to prove it is win 9-10 next year.

agree. Our schedule sets up really nicely for us next year too.

@ USM - win
LSU in Vegas - at home vs Dak and JRob. LSU is unsettled at QB. Dak's legacy will be beating them 2 years in a row.
Crempuff win
@ Aub. win. I like this game early & they're without Coates, new qb, Williams will go pro if he's smart, etc
@ TXAM. probably lose
Troy - win
La Tech -win
UK - win
bye - so could be 7-1 going into
@ Mizzou - they're losing their talented DEs, but return a good qb. Dak > Mauk though. win
Bama -win.
@ Ark - close loss
OM - win

there's 10

[justwin]

There is no reason for this team to not compete for the SEC west next year. We bring back the best QB in the conference (heisman contender), JRob, one of the best RBs in the conference, the o line will be more talented, clayborne and desper are good. theyve already played and showed it in SEC games. Rankin is much more talented than clausell. the o line will be better next year than it was this year. WRs will be much better, I would say losing Jameon hurts but we won 10 games with him being out for the majority of the time. We wont be bad at TE with Walley and Hutcherson. Hutcherson has the size to be a NFL player. Hoping Rashaun Dixon comes on and that we get Ravian Pierce this class. Offensively we will be one of the best in the SEC again, just hope the coaches learn to adjust in big games. Defensively we lose some up front but we replace them with more than capable players. AJ Jefferson is good, ryan brown is good, nelson adams is good, chris jones needs to have a 1st round type year. the LBs will be fine. brown brothers are both very smart players can help the whole defense make up for lack of experience a little bit. the secondary will be improved. Season will hinge on that LSU game early in the year, we win sky is the limit. And we should win.

winner

[Todd4State]

It's more about Mullen beating Bama now. Beat Bama = Nat'l cred. We should beat them next year @ our place. Mullen has beaten everyone in the SEC except USC & Bama & Mizzou.

You nailed it. That's the next step that we are at right now. Before it was a "quality win"- well, Dan got at least three this past year over LSU, A&M, and Auburn. Hopefully we score another one over Georgia Tech.

[Todd4State]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is our new DC could potentially make a big difference. Of course, it's too soon to know until the hire is made. But Dan's DC's typically are more aggressive in year one and hopefully we will see less of the 1B's. I think our team is going to be very hungry next year as well- that's not something to discount. Having been number one will help our team deal with any pressure we may face.

QB- Dak is back, and has dealt with Heisman pressure. I expect him to be at his peak in terms of quarterbacking. He has won big games for us and he also has had to deal with some disappointment as well.

RB- Josh is an award candidate, plus Shumpert has emerged and I think Aeries Williams will give us an extra dimension. Hopefully we see some diamond formation things.

WR- Bear is a three year guy probably. I bet we start Morrow over Ross because he is a senior, but Ross and Fred Brown will play a good bit and all are reliable.

Slot- Gray should come in and not miss beat. He should give us what we missed with Jameon when he was out. We also have Myles, Graham, maybe Dear, and Deddrick Thomas along with Mixon so we should be much better from a depth standpoint.

TE- Walley is our worst case scenario. He's a good player who we just need to keep healthy. I hope Dixon or BJ Hammond emerge.

OL- We lose experience, but I think we gain talent. Rankin will hopefully come in and be who we think he is. Damien Robinson might be able to help us in a Tobias Smith role. Jocquell Johnson might be able to help us out as well. We just have to find the right combination, but there is some chicken to make the chicken salad there.

DL- I think Chris Jones comes back with a vengeance next year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he drops enough weight to play DE. I'm keeping him at DT for now. I think we move Nelson Adams back to DT. Nick James breaking out would be a huge bonus. We have AJ, Ryan Brown, and now Coleman and Calvin at DE and I'm looking forward to seeing what Cory Thomas and Grant Harris can do.

LB- I think the Brown brothers are the OLB's and Gerri Green will be in the middle. It sure would be nice if McKinney came back- maybe the NFL will find out that he has an ingrown toenail or something and drop him to the third round. I think Leo Lewis and Darrien McNair play right away. We'll see about Jung. Hopefully the new DC blitzes our LB's more than Collins did.

CB- Redmond and Calhoun are two of the best in the SEC and they will be seniors. I think we missed big time on Tony Bridges. But hopefully Jiles returns along with Cleveland, and I really like Stamps a lot and I could see him playing as a freshman.

S- This was a weakness this year, but I really think that Peters, Gray, and Bryant along with Mark McLaurin will all be huge upgrades over Evans and Coman. Market will be back and will be the leader.

K/P- It's past time to get off of Sobiesk's back. He's proven to be reliable and he will be a junior next year. Bell will be a senior and he's adequate.

KR/PR- I think Gray and Deddrick Thomas will help us out immediately and make a BIG difference for us in field position.

[Raytoraid83]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is our new DC could potentially make a big difference. Of course, it's too soon to know until the hire is made. But Dan's DC's typically are more aggressive in year one and hopefully we will see less of the 1B's. I think our team is going to be very hungry next year as well- that's not something to discount. Having been number one will help our team deal with any pressure we may face.

QB- Dak is back, and has dealt with Heisman pressure. I expect him to be at his peak in terms of quarterbacking. He has won big games for us and he also has had to deal with some disappointment as well.

RB- Josh is an award candidate, plus Shumpert has emerged and I think Aeries Williams will give us an extra dimension. Hopefully we see some diamond formation things.

WR- Bear is a three year guy probably. I bet we start Morrow over Ross because he is a senior, but Ross and Fred Brown will play a good bit and all are reliable.

Slot- Gray should come in and not miss beat. He should give us what we missed with Jameon when he was out. We also have Myles, Graham, maybe Dear, and Deddrick Thomas along with Mixon so we should be much better from a depth standpoint.

TE- Walley is our worst case scenario. He's a good player who we just need to keep healthy. I hope Dixon or BJ Hammond emerge.

OL- We lose experience, but I think we gain talent. Rankin will hopefully come in and be who we think he is. Damien Robinson might be able to help us in a Tobias Smith role. Jocquell Johnson might be able to help us out as well. We just have to find the right combination, but there is some chicken to make the chicken salad there.

DL- I think Chris Jones comes back with a vengeance next year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he drops enough weight to play DE. I'm keeping him at DT for now. I think we move Nelson Adams back to DT. Nick James breaking out would be a huge bonus. We have AJ, Ryan Brown, and now Coleman and Calvin at DE and I'm looking forward to seeing what Cory Thomas and Grant Harris can do.

LB- I think the Brown brothers are the OLB's and Gerri Green will be in the middle. It sure would be nice if McKinney came back- maybe the NFL will find out that he has an ingrown toenail or something and drop him to the third round. I think Leo Lewis and Darrien McNair play right away. We'll see about Jung. Hopefully the new DC blitzes our LB's more than Collins did.

CB- Redmond and Calhoun are two of the best in the SEC and they will be seniors. I think we missed big time on Tony Bridges. But hopefully Jiles returns along with Cleveland, and I really like Stamps a lot and I could see him playing as a freshman.

S- This was a weakness this year, but I really think that Peters, Gray, and Bryant along with Mark McLaurin will all be huge upgrades over Evans and Coman. Market will be back and will be the leader.

K/P- It's past time to get off of Sobiesk's back. He's proven to be reliable and he will be a junior next year. Bell will be a senior and he's adequate.

KR/PR- I think Gray and Deddrick Thomas will help us out immediately and make a BIG difference for us in field position.

Agree with CJ96. I don't think he was ever truly at 100% this year either. He had a lot of injuries that were kept pretty quiet- knee surgery before the season, had a soft cast on his hand part of the season too.

Offense should be even better next year which is scary. Find the right d cordinator and we should be in for another great season. Schedule is the only thing that worries me. We saw how much it affected Auburn this year...

[shannondawg]

I wonder if we will by the media standards be rated higher because of Dak, or the thinking we lost all our starters will be rated lower. Either way its a misconception.

[wayneland5025]

I am not trying to throw cold water on anything, but have Dak and Jrob stated anywhere that they are not testing the waters for the draft? I certainly am hoping they are back next year, but I was just wondering if I had missed something since most of this thread assumes they will be back.

[1998Dawg]

We will without a doubt have a better record and season next year than this past year. Their are no holes at any starting spot next year.

QB = no discusion
RB = Deep (as always)
WR = best ever?
TE = slight question but Malcolm Johnson didnt change games by any means. Easy fix here
OL = extremely deep, especially with 4 star #1 JUCO Olineman Rankins stepping in.
DL = tons of experience and the best DT in college football to anchor us. Not many have this luxury
LBs = Our depth helps here.
DBs = Upgrades all across. Peters the #1 MS player will step in and be an upgrade from day 1. I've seen him play in person, real deal holyfield.

As for scheme, we'll see massive upgrade. Don't get me wrong I liked Collins at first but his bend dont break mentality killed us down the stretch.I wont loose any sleep with his loss. We'll be much more aggressive and let our athletes make plays.

[TUSK]

Only way to prove it is win 9-10 next year.

Dead. Nuts. On.

Reel off consecutive 11-2 seasons in the secw, and IT will come.

[Todd4State]

I am not trying to throw cold water on anything, but have Dak and Jrob stated anywhere that they are not testing the waters for the draft? I certainly am hoping they are back next year, but I was just wondering if I had missed something since most of this thread assumes they will be back.

Paul Jones has said that odds are "better than 50/50" that they return. Others on this board have said as much as well. There is always a chance, but odds are they are returning. I expect them to get a grade from the NFL though.

[I seen it dawg]

I disagree.

We gotta win the SEC and be in the Playoffs. 9 or 10 won't get us there.

I love the new mindset for the FB program. Let's go find us a DC....

Winning 9-10 in our league NEVER constitutes "suck" which is where this started.

[I seen it dawg]

No down-simmering necessary...Mullen expects us to compete for championships and we should too. Yes, we do have to be realistic, but in the new Dawg era, I certainly believe it is.

That's great. The thread starting point was we lose all these players and we will suck. 9-10 is not suck.

[Coach34]

I am not trying to throw cold water on anything, but have Dak and Jrob stated anywhere that they are not testing the waters for the draft? I certainly am hoping they are back next year, but I was just wondering if I had missed something since most of this thread assumes they will be back.

Dakota is returning
JRob is 50/50

[Coach34]

Next year in my eyes:

QB- enough said. We will have the best QB in the SEC
RB- even if JRob leaves- Shump and Aeris will be solid
WR- more talent than we have ever had in this group
TE- I'm concerned here. Need Hutch to step up. Walley is solid- but nothing great.
OL- more talent/less experience. Will this group be mean enough? OT- getting Rankin was huge and Senior showed he belonged. Warren is a solid back-up. Jenkins is going to fight Carter for that 4th OT spot. OG? Malone is a player. Desper played well as a back-up. I think Joquell J ends up here in this group. Time for Flowers and Thomas to start giving us something. C? Clayborn and Calhoun should more than satisfy here. I like this group aslong as I see some toughness

DL- Brown and Jones are future NFL. AJ is solid. Thomas would have played this past year as a Fr for most teams. Can Nick James continue to get better? Adams can play. Need some DE depth to show us they can handle it.

LB- we good here. Again, Green doesnt RS most places. Brown twins can play-but Ritchie needs to play tougher. Juco LB coming in needs to be able to play. Not concerned here.

Secondary- CB is a strength. Safety? Not so much. Got to get some better safety play

We're going to be good- but the schedule is a mf'er. Gonna be tough as hell to win at Auburn, A&M, or UPig. LSU is going to be a toughass test early. Bama is Bama. Fredo wont win in S'ville- but they wont go down easy. Could easily end up 8-4 and be as good as we were this season.

[Todd4State]

Next year in my eyes:

QB- enough said. We will have the best QB in the SEC
RB- even if JRob leaves- Shump and Aeris will be solid
WR- more talent than we have ever had in this group
TE- I'm concerned here. Need Hutch to step up. Walley is solid- but nothing great.
OL- more talent/less experience. Will this group be mean enough? OT- getting Rankin was huge and Senior showed he belonged. Warren is a solid back-up. Jenkins is going to fight Carter for that 4th OT spot. OG? Malone is a player. Desper played well as a back-up. I think Joquell J ends up here in this group. Time for Flowers and Thomas to start giving us something. C? Clayborn and Calhoun should more than satisfy here. I like this group aslong as I see some toughness

DL- Brown and Jones are future NFL. AJ is solid. Thomas would have played this past year as a Fr for most teams. Can Nick James continue to get better? Adams can play. Need some DE depth to show us they can handle it.

LB- we good here. Again, Green doesnt RS most places. Brown twins can play-but Ritchie needs to play tougher. Juco LB coming in needs to be able to play. Not concerned here.

Secondary- CB is a strength. Safety? Not so much. Got to get some better safety play

We're going to be good- but the schedule is a mf'er. Gonna be tough as hell to win at Auburn, A&M, or UPig. LSU is going to be a toughass test early. Bama is Bama. Fredo wont win in S'ville- but they wont go down easy. Could easily end up 8-4 and be as good as we were this season.

I may be mistaken, but I believe you said that Walley was better at blocking than Malcolm? If that's the case, there is a chance that we could be better at TE because Walley didn't look all that bad as a receiver at times against lower level competition. He certainly needs to work on some things.

[GTHOM]

When i look at the schedule I dont see any games that are not winnable. Even on the road. We always give auburn hell (should have beaten them just about every year), how good will a&m be? Dont know. I know they should be beatable for us. Arkansas will be tough, still winnable. Missouri is not a pushover but we will be the better team and should win. We should go unbeaten at home toss ups against Bama and LSU. We'll be favored in every other game, may even be favored over LSU. To me the season hinges on that game. We should win they will be tough, but if they dont find a QB they wont be that much better than 2014

[Bothrops]

We're going to be fine at safety next year between Bryant, Gray, Peters, Coman, Evans, and Market. Tremendous young talent there. I think Gray is going to be killer, whether he stays at safety or not. I'm a little worried about the d-line and the depth on the inside. I think we need some reinforcement here. Those guys are going to play a ton.

[Todd4State]

We're going to be fine at safety next year between Bryant, Gray, Peters, Coman, Evans, and Market. Tremendous young talent there. I think Gray is going to be killer, whether he stays at safety or not. I'm a little worried about the d-line and the depth on the inside. I think we need some reinforcement here. Those guys are going to play a ton.

I agree. This time next year we are going to be wondering why we redshirted Bryant and didn't let Gray play more at safety.

Since we missed on Swain, we just have to hope that Cory Thomas can come in and be ready in a reserve role and I think he will be.

[TUSK]

When i look at the schedule I dont see any games that are not winnable. Even on the road. We always give auburn hell (should have beaten them just about every year), how good will a&m be? Dont know. I know they should be beatable for us. Arkansas will be tough, still winnable. Missouri is not a pushover but we will be the better team and should win. We should go unbeaten at home toss ups against Bama and LSU. We'll be favored in every other game, may even be favored over LSU. To me the season hinges on that game. We should win they will be tough, but if they dont find a QB they wont be that much better than 2014

You're correct... yall have a pretty favorable slate... I broke it down:

5 wins are freakin automatic... UK + 4 OOC games... Ole Miss (in Starkville) likely makes it 6 guaranteed wins.

while "winnable", wins vs UA, @AU and LSU are unlikely....

that leaves 3 "swing" games: @AM, @AR, @Mizzou...

I'll go 8-9 wins...

[Todd4State]

You're correct... yall have a pretty favorable slate... I broke it down:

5 wins are freakin automatic... UK + 4 OOC games... Ole Miss (in Starkville) likely makes it 6 guaranteed wins.

while "winnable", wins vs UA, @AU and LSU are unlikely....

that leaves 3 "swing" games: @AM, @AR, @Mizzou...

I'll go 8-9 wins...

I will never consider a rivalry game "guaranteed" despite the recent history of the home team having an edge. I like the way our schedule sets up other than Arkansas though. The good news is I assume their senior day is going to be the Mizzou game the week following our game with them.

[Political Hack]

The thing is, the offensive line may take a step back early in the year, but will be more talented than this years. It makes me wonder if our O-line could be really good at some point next year.

OL is the only spot I worry about, but it's a significant concern because of the impacts. If Dak and JRob can't be effective because of a crappy OL, it kills the entire offense.

That said, I think we'll be fine there and may actually have a little more depth at OT than we did this year. Center is a ?, but I feel fine everywhere else.

[Coach34]

while "winnable", wins vs UA, @AU and LSU are unlikely...


In Starkville and with their QB play right now- that game is a 50/50 and far from "unlikely"...they are losing some really good OL players- but their skill people will be damn good. Can the QB get it to them?

[Coach34]

OL is the only spot I worry about, but it's a significant concern because of the impacts. If Dak and JRob can't be effective because of a crappy OL, it kills the entire offense.

That said, I think we'll be fine there and may actually have a little more depth at OT than we did this year. Center is a ?, but I feel fine everywhere else.

This is really the only unknown. Hopefully Clayborn has his head on right coming into the Spring and Calhoun is as good as people think- cause word is he could have played this year if he had had to

[I seen it dawg]

You're correct... yall have a pretty favorable slate... I broke it down:

5 wins are freakin automatic... UK + 4 OOC games... Ole Miss (in Starkville) likely makes it 6 guaranteed wins.

while "winnable", wins vs UA, @AU and LSU are unlikely....

that leaves 3 "swing" games: @AM, @AR, @Mizzou...

I'll go 8-9 wins...

Unlikely why? Because we aren't bama? Take off your elephant turd glasses.

[msstate7]

In Starkville and with their QB play right now- that game is a 50/50 and far from "unlikely"...they are losing some really good OL players- but their skill people will be damn good. Can the QB get it to them?

Lsu's best wr (dural) is a RS soph. He could leave. I hope he leaves

[TUSK]

In Starkville and with their QB play right now- that game is a 50/50 and far from "unlikely"...they are losing some really good OL players- but their skill people will be damn good. Can the QB get it to them?

yeah, you're probably right... I'd probably handicap it a PK - 3 point game as of now...

I think their defense will be nasty next year, though...

[TUSK]

Unlikely why? Because we aren't bama? Take off your elephant turd glasses.

dude. it's not myopic to suggest any of that... I will say I was wrong on LSU in Starkville... as stated above.

[bulldawg28]

What's the D-lineman from Clinton that redshirted? Grant? How's he developing?

[Coach34]

yeah, you're probably right... I'd probably handicap it a PK - 3 point game as of now...

I think their defense will be nasty next year, though...

one thing being over-looked TUSK is that State will have one of the best WR groups in the SEC next year. Dakota coming back plus that group is going to be tough

[I seen it dawg]

dude. it's not myopic to suggest any of that... I will say I was wrong on LSU in Starkville... as stated above.

You're breaking in a new QB next year. Losing Cooper. And some on defense. I think unlikely is extremely strong to say provided we are at home and we won't be your Crooms Bulldogs. I think it's highly myopic to say "unlikely" that Bama is a winnable game at our place. Auburn will be tough on the road but we always play them well. And Lsu has been discussed between you and C34. So, dude, I think it's extremely myopic, and to add for good measure obtuse, to suggest those are unlikely winnable games. Hell I don't think it is out of this world we go 3-0 in those games.

[TUSK]

You're breaking in a new QB next year. Losing Cooper. And some on defense. I think unlikely is extremely strong to say provided we are at home and we won't be your Crooms Bulldogs. I think it's highly myopic to say "unlikely" that Bama is a winnable game at our place. Auburn will be tough on the road but we always play them well. And Lsu has been discussed between you and C34. So, dude, I think it's extremely myopic, and to add for good measure obtuse, to suggest those are unlikely winnable games. Hell I don't think it is out of this world we go 3-0 in those games.

I'll feel more comfortable about the QB position going in to '15 than I did in '14... Losing Cooper will hurt, for certain, but we've plenty of talent at the position....

The defense will be better.

I think perhaps we are actually arguing semantics and not who we think will win the game...

peace.