It only feels like Mississippi State’s inclusion is a scheduled every-other-week event.

After losing the Egg Bowl, the Bulldogs fell out of the College Football Playoff poll Tuesday. In the five polls released by the selection committee this season, Mississippi State has been: in (No. 20), in (No. 17), out, in (No. 21) and out.

The Bulldogs (8-4) finished the SEC season at .500, tied for fifth in the SEC West. But the team went 0-4 against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 at the time. And now Dak Prescott is headed to the NFL draft, having compiled an 18-7 record the last two seasons (bowl game pending).

The big question for Mississippi State appears to be whether coach Dan Mullen will remain in Starkville.

Mullen signed a new contract worth more than $4 million per year after a 2014 that saw the Bulldogs ranked at No. 1 for several weeks. He’s been linked to the Georgia and Miami openings. If he’s going to leave behind a great contract at Mississippi State and the equity he’s built within the fan base, the timing may never be better.

But this season has proven that it’s possible to sustain success as a fringe top 25 team in Starkville at the least.