With Fitzgerald back in 2018, Mississippi State looks to have record year
Before the football season kicks off, Olin will preview each of Texas A&M's conference opponents for the 2018 season. Check out the full series here: 2018 SEC Opponent Previews
Just four years ago Mississippi State ascended to No. 1 in the college football polls for five weeks before eventually finishing 10-2 and ranked seventh.
That 2014 season is considered the best in Mississippi State history.
This year the Bulldogs could be even better.
A star quarterback, a 1,000-yard running back, a veteran offensive line, a disruptive defensive front and an opportunistic defense are the main reasons Mississippi State could reach 10 victories for just fourth time in program history.
“We all understand that it is time to raise the expectations and set those high expectations,” said safety Mark McLaurin, who had six interceptions last season. “We have all bought in and are working to get better step by step every single day.”
The Bulldogs posted nine victories a year ago, took Alabama down to the wire, return 16 starters and face perhaps a less challenging schedule than a year ago.
Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, running back Aeris Williams and four starters on the line are back to boost the offense.
All-SEC defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat head a group of seven starters from a defense that was ranked 10th in the nation.
Not all is perfect in Starkville, though.
First-year coach Joe Moorhead takes over for Dan Mullen, who left for Florida.
Fitzgerald is coming back from a nasty ankle injury that brought a premature end to his 2017 season.
There are no proven receivers and the one starter the offensive line lost — Martinas Rankin — was a first team All-SEC selection and a third-round draft choice of the Houston Texans.
Still, Mississippi State has many more pros than cons. And several reasons to project a rare 10-win season in Starkville.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Coach: Joe Moorhead
- 2017 record: 9-4, 4-4 in the SEC West
- Postseason result: Defeated Louisville 31-27 in the TaxSlayer Bowl
Returning starters
- Offense (9): G Deion Calhoun, QB Nick Fitzgerald, TE Farrod Green, WR Jesse Jackson, C Elgton Jenkins, WR Keith Mixon, T Stewart Reese, RB Aeris Williams, G Darryl Williams
- Defense (7): S Johnathan Abram, DE Gerri Green, DT Braxton Hoyett, LB Leo Lewis, S Mark McLaurin, DT Jeffery Simmons, DE Montez Sweat
- Special teams (1): K Jace Christmann
Area of strength: It’s not unusual for Mississippi State to have a formidable defensive front, but this could be its best defensive line in a decade. DT Jeffery Simmons and DE Montez Sweat have All-SEC credentials. DT Braxton Hoyett and DE Gerri Green are returning starters coming off solid 2017 campaigns. There is good depth, too.
Area of concern: Moorhead reportedly wants to throw downfield more often. Who will catch it, though? Senior Jesse Jackson is the top returner at receiver yet had only 27 catches as a junior. Malik Deer has had some good moments, but is coming off an ACL tear that forced him out all last season. Reggie Todd was considered a deep threat until he was arrested for simple assault in June and is suspended for the season. A newcomer or two is needed to make an immediate contribution.
Top three players
- Nick Fitzgerald, QB: He’s reportedly 100 percent recovered from an ankle injury sustained in a loss to Ole Miss. If Fitzgerald is healthy and isn’t comprised by a new offensive system, he could emerge as a Heisman contender. A strong runner, he’s rushed for more than 2,200 yards the last two seasons. He must improve as his passing accuracy, but no one questions his arm strength.
- Jeffery Simmons, DT: One of the most dominant interior linemen in the nation. He has great size, quickness and strength. Despite drawing constant double team blocks in 2017 he still 57 tackles with 11 accounting for lost yardage.
- Montez Sweat, DE: Big at 6-foot-6, 245-pounds and athletic, Sweat was named the SEC’s Defensive Lineman of the Week three times in 2017. He posted 10.5 sacks to share the SEC lead with Texas A&M’s Landis Durham. He had 46 tackles overall with 15.5 resulting in lost yardage.
Impact newcomer: Stephen Guide was considered the No. 1 junior college receiver coming out of Hinds (Miss.) CC. He’s tall and rangy at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, but only managed 22 catches for 326 yards as a juco sophomore. The Bulldogs sorely need him to make an impact at a position of need. However, he missed all of spring practice with a shoulder injury.
2018 schedule
- Sept. 1 vs. Stephen F. Austin
- Sept. 8 at Kansas State
- Sept. 15 vs. Louisiana Lafayette
- Sept. 22 at Kentucky
- Sept. 29 vs. Florida
- Oct. 6 vs. Auburn
- Oct. 20 at LSU
- Oct. 27 vs Texas A&M
- Nov. 3 vs. Louisiana Tech
- Nov. 10 at Alabama
- Nov. 17 vs. Arkansas
- Nov. 22 at Ole Miss
Predicted finish: 10-2
