SEC Schedule a Day: Mississippi State

The fact that an 8-5 record in 2007 was a banner year kind of summarizes the current state of Miss State football. They aren't exactly world beaters, but they are getting back into the one big upset a year mold. The talent base is starting to be rebuilt to a little below Jackie Sherrill cheating levels. They still don't have a ton of depth but they are making strides. If they can grab a couple of skill players in the next couple of years they could pull one of those occasional Houston Nutt Arkansas seasons. Which is a long way from the suggestions I was making last year that they play wacky football.

8/30 at Louisiana Tech

Heading to Ruston for the opener doesn't seem like a ton of fun. It's all risk and no reward. Some fans from around the South will realize that it's a tough matchup but the rest of the country will just assume it's a cupcake game. Though, to me, LaTech hasn't been as good since they abandoned the pass happy offense. Miss State grabs the victory and starts the year off on the right foot.

9/6 Southeast Louisiana

What is this Auburn's schedule from 1992? Are they trying to play every old directional school in Louisiana? Miss State wins.

9/13 Auburn

Since Miss State won this matchup last year I don't think the Tigers will take it lightly. Last year was a sloppy turnover laden affair that broke up many years of futility by the Bulldogs. I expect this year to be a return to normal.

9/20 @ Georgia Tech

Huh? I live it Atlanta and haven't heard any mention of this game? This is a pretty cool matchup. Tech brings in Paul Johnson's wacky triple option spread or whatever the hell he runs. Miss State is basically a pro style offense with heavy power run leanings. So I would say this game will be about the exact opposite of say Texas Tech against Missouri. There might not even be an attempted forward pass this game. Well they may attempt one but the odd for a completion were just set at 10-1. I think Tech takes this one. Assuming Tech loses their earlier games with BC and Va Tech this will be the first chance for a big win in the Paul Johnson era. I think he pulls it out.

9/27 @ LSU

LSU wins. End of story.

10/11 Vanderbilt

Having an off weekend before the Vandy game is just asking for a sleepy start to the game for the home team. Miss State wakes up in the second half and Anthony Dixon puts on a show. Dogs over Dores.

10/18 @ Tennessee

Pretty tough road slate for Miss State this year. I know that there is a decent possibility that MSU wins this game but it just sounds so unlikely. Every fan is a homer but I'm starting to here some positive rumblings about the Volunteer offense. And I really think the only chance for MSU in this situation is a low scoring affair. Tennessee wins.

10/25 Middle Tennessee

MTSU signs up for the second defeat at the hands of the SEC.

11/1 Kentucky

I just went back and checked and apparently I chose MSU to win this game during the Kentucky preview. And if that guy says it, then I agree.

11/15 @ bama

This has become an annual bright spot for Mississippi State the last couple of years. But if Saban wants to stay Forbes' most powerful coach in sports he has to win games like this. And I think his ego demands such things.

11/22 Arkansas

Assuming Miss State doesn't oversleep and miss their bus to the game I'm pretty sure they will win this one.

11/28 @ Ole Miss

I miss this game being on Thanksgiving night. On friday it just gets lost in the shuffle and no one can really come with a reason to watch it. There have been some competitive games in recent years but this will feature the most combined talent on the field in several years. The bulldogs scored 17 points in the 4th quarter last year to win 17-14. Very timely scoring guys. I think Ole Miss takes back the Egg Bowl trophy this year though. I'm not sure their record will suggest it, but I think the Rebels will be much better this year.

SEC: 3-5
Season: 6-6