Mississippi State won the Belk Bowl handily over N.C. State 51-28 to cap a nine-win season. Bulldogs QB Dak Prescott closed out his college career on a high note, throwing for 380 yards, four touchdowns and an interception and adding 47 yards on the ground.

That will be the seniors’ last game in a Mississippi State uniform after a historic career in Starkville. But there were plenty of other Bulldogs who shined during the bowl game who will return, which should give coach Dan Mullen optimism for his program’s future.

Here’s a look at a few Mississippi State players who had a major impact on the Belk Bow and should be back on the field for the Bulldogs next year.

WR Fred Ross —  Besides Prescott, Ross was arguably the player of the game for Mississippi State in its bowl game. The junior had a game-high seven receptions, which he turned into 74 yards and a touchdown, and took a pitch on a misdirection play and ran for a 33-yard score in the second quarter. Ross scored two of the Bulldogs’ first three TDs and Mississippi State never looked back. His teammate on the outside, De’Runnya Wilson has already declared for the NFL Draft, but Ross is expected to return for his senior season despite leading the team in receiving this season with 88 receptions and 1,007 yards.

RB Brandon Holloway — Mississippi State has taken the committee approach with its backfield this season, but Holloway was the most-consistent runner down the stretch. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound junior isn’t built to be an every-down back, but his speed, elusiveness and pass-catching ability make him a dangerous weapon. His skills were on full display against N.C. State. He picked up 119 total yards and caught two TD passes. Holloway also led the Mississippi State backfield with 13 carries. He should be a bigger part of the running game next season.

RB Aeris Williams — There was a lot of excitement surrounding Williams after his strong showing in Mississippi State’s spring game. The talented freshman that could be the future of the Bulldogs’ backfield. With the Bulldogs holding a big lead against N.C. State, Williams got one of his best opportunities of the season to show what he can do. On just three carries, he ran for 39 yards, including a 33-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

LB Gerri Green — A rising star, the freshman finished sixth on the team with 49 tackles this season and recorded an interception in the bowl game. He had 2 interceptions on the season to go along with 2.5 tackles for loss and 3 passes defended. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder should have a large role in the middle of the Bulldogs’ defense next year.

CB Brandon Bryant — Another freshman, Bryant had Mississippi State’s only other interception in the Belk Bowl. Bryant should make an impact in Starkville for several seasons. His 63 tackles were good for fifth on the team this season. He also recorded 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 passes defended and a forced fumble this season.