NCAAF Analysis: Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen entered his sixth year on the job in 2014 having led the program to four consecutive bowl bids. Still, Mullen’s club lacked a true signature win that prevented the program from ever being considered as serious threats for the SEC crown. But after their 34-29 win and payout at LSU as seven-point underdogs last week, the Bulldogs emerged as a team that must be taken seriously as a bona fide SEC title contender.
BetDSI opened with Mississippi State as a +3300 choice to win the national championship.
Mullen’s Signature Win
The win at LSU was no fluke as Mississippi State jumped all over the Tigers for a 17-0 lead and extended that to 34-10 early in the fourth quarter before a furious LSU rally fell just short with a failed Hail Mary pass at the final gun. But there should be no doubt that the better team won as the Bulldogs outgained the Tigers 570-430 in total yards as they mauled LSU for a total of 302 yards on the ground. RB Josh Robinson powered for 197 yards rushing on 16 carries good for 12.3 yards per rush and a TD while QB Dak Prescott added 105 yards rushing and one TD while throwing for 268 yards and 11.2 yards per pass with two TDs. Jameon Lewis had five catches for 23.2 yards per reception and a TD while De’Runnya Wilson added four receptions good for 22.8 yards per catch and a TD.
Reality Check
The momentum of 2013 when the Bulldogs won their final three games of the season has carried over to 2014. Prescott has emerged as one of the top QB’s in the country and triggers an offense that ranks 15th in the nation overall. The defense is still a concern, especially against the pass where MSU ranks 123rd nationally, but the Bulldogs have a bend but don’t break personality as they rank 16th in the nation for points allowed.
The Upcoming Gauntlet and Our Assessment
The Bulldogs are coming off a well-deserved bye as they will host SEC powers Texas A&M on October 4 and then the Auburn Tigers on October 11. They could find life tough in the stacked SEC West, which houses three top 10 teams. Still, that win at LSU serves notice to the league that the Bulldogs can play with anyone. Back-to-back wins against Texas A&M and Auburn would be tough for any team, so we’ll call for the Bulldogs to split the two matchups.
