This is not how Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott wanted to finish his college career.

After alternating in and out of the national rankings seemingly with every win and loss, the Bulldogs are back out following a 38-27 home defeat.

RELATED: Coaches Poll | Associated Press Top 25

Ranked No. 22 in last week’s Coaches Poll and No. 23 in last week’s Associated Press Top 25, voters relegated Mississippi State to the “also receiving votes” category Sunday.

Essentially, coach Dan Mullen’s team rates as the fifth-highest SEC team in the polls, behind four ranked programs and ahead of Tennessee, Georgia, Texas A&M and Arkansas.

After the media picked Mississippi State last in the SEC West prior to the season, it was a respectable regular-season campaign. The Bulldogs tied Texas A&M for fifth with a 4-4 conference record, but came within a missed last-second field goal vs. LSU of tying for third in the division.

Depending on how bowl season plays out, Mississippi State still could finish the season ranked. Last season, Ole Miss finished as the nation’s highest-ranked four-loss team at No. 17 in the final AP poll.