Mississippi State surged to its second 10-win season in the last 70 years thanks in large part to the play of junior quarterback Dak Prescott, who will likely go down as the greatest quarterback in school history.

Bulldog fans are now left waiting to find out if they’ll get another year of Prescott, or if he’ll leave school early for the greener pastures of the NFL. Should Prescott return, MSU would be set at the quarterback position for another year. But if he departs from Starkville, it would leave a gaping hole in the MSU offense that might be difficult to replace.

2014 quarterback: Dak Prescott, 3,449 yards, 27 TD, 11 INT, 61.6 completion percentage, 996 rush yards, 14 rush TD

2015 favorite: Prescott (if he returns to college) or Damian Williams (if Prescott leaves for the NFL). Williams career stats: 37 of 70 passing, 434 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 175 rush yards, 1 rush TD

Others involved: Elijah Stanley, rising sophomore; Nick Fitzgerald, rising sophomore, Josiah Phillips, rising sophomore

Level of concern (1-10): 6 — If Prescott returns to Starkville for his senior season, the level of concern at the quarterback position would immediately drop to zero. After all, Prescott was named a first-team All-SEC honoree by both the coaches and the media, and he’s now the leading Heisman vote-getter in MSU history. But should he elect to leave school early to begin a pro career, the wellbeing of Mississippi State’s offense would lie in the right arm of backup Damian Williams. The rising junior saw chunks of playing time throughout the last two seasons, and he seems to possess a similar skill-set to Prescott as a mobile quarterback with a big body capable of moving the ball both through the air and with his legs. The offense should already be catered to his abilities, and he’s had enough live game experience to not be overwhelmed by the moment come Week 1 of next season. The level of concern lies in the difficulty of following in Prescott’s footsteps, especially when considering the number of veterans MSU will lose from its offense. Nevertheless, Williams is plenty capable of leading Dan Mullen’s offense should he get his opportunity next season.

When it will be decided: The Bulldogs’ 2015 quarterback battle will be decided before Jan. 15, the deadline for eligible underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. All eyes will be on Prescott, Mississippi State’s most iconic star, as he makes a decision regarding his future. If he returns, he’ll resume his role as the starting quarterback. But if he leaves school for the NFL, it would be hard to picture another quarterback on Mississippi State’s roster leapfrogging him to assume the starting job. Thus, once Prescott announces his plans for next season, the Bulldogs should have know who their quarterback will be in 2015.

Biggest ally: De’Runnya Wilson. The rising junior led the team in catches, yards and touchdowns this season, and he ranked in the top 10 in the SEC in all three categories. Wilson, a former basketball star, has a large frame and impressive leaping ability, allowing him to shield defenders with his body and make plays on jump balls. He’s as sure-handed as they come and can catch passes in traffic, and although he’s not as polished he shares a lot of the same traits as former South Carolina and current Chicago Bears star Alshon Jeffery. Wilson and Prescott shared a dynamite connection in 2014 that is certain to continue if the star quarterback returns. If not, Wilson will be Williams’ greatest ally on the outside, serving as a trusted wideout who will earn hard yards and won’t be bullied by opposing defensive backs.