There’s little-to-no room for error this season for Mississippi State if it wants to relive the success of last year’s 10-win season.

They’ll be thoroughly tested early by having to play LSU in their second game, but the Bulldogs need to focus on taking care of business against non-conference opponents like Southern Mississippi in the season opener before starting to worry about their daunting SEC West schedule.

If last season’s 49-0 Bulldogs win over the Golden Eagles was any indication, the opening weekend shouldn’t be an issue for Mississippi State. But along with team success, Mississippi State is also in pursuit of the school’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner this year.

Quarterback Dak Prescott is an early-season favorite to contend for college football’s most coveted individual award. Any numbers he puts up this season will be even more impressive because of the defenses he will have to face within the SEC, but non-conference games are where Prescott can really pad his stats and make a push for the trophy.

In last season’s blowout of the Golden Eagles, Prescott finished 18-of-26 passing for 284 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also added 39 rushing yards on 8 attempts.

Those are impressive numbers but not necessarily jaw-dropping. However, because of the lopsidedness of last year’s season opener, the Bulldogs rested their star quarterback late in the game. A similar scenario could play out this year against Southern Mississippi, but with running back Josh Robinson now in the NFL, don’t be surprised if Prescott drops back to pass a few more times in each game this season, subsequently improving his stats across the board.

Prescott’s performances against SEC West defenses will be weighed more heavily when it comes to Heisman voting at the end of the year, but part of the equation is still taking care of business against inferior opponents. Southern Mississippi will provide the first chance for Prescott to run amok.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GOLDEN EAGLES CLOSER LOOK

Top returning player, offense: Mike Thomas, Sr., WR — Thomas was the Golden Eagles leading receiver in yards (592) and touchdowns (5) last season. He had at least one catch in all 12 of Southern Mississippi’s games last year and also serves as the team’s primary kick returner.

Top returning player, defense: Dylan Bradley, Jr., Bandit — Bradley had his season cut short after eight games last year because of an injury, but he still led the Golden Eagles in tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (3). One of those sacks actually came against Mississippi State in the season opener last year. Senior middle linebacker Brian Anderson is another Southern Mississippi defender to keep an eye on.

Top returning player, special teams: Tyler Sarrazin, Jr., P — Sarrazin returns as Southern Mississippi’s punter after an impressive season last year, where he averaged 39.5 yards per punt and had a long of 57 yards. He was able to drop 17 of his 66 punts inside the 20-yard line. Sarrazin also serves as the Golden Eagles holder, making him an integral part of the kicking game overall.