What’s not to love about supreme optimism?

It’s the best time of the year for college football fans, especially those favoring the SEC. Dreams of a national championship aren’t yet crushed and homers abound can all take a stab at guessing wins and losses on their respective team’s schedule.

‘Best Case Scenario’ Series

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

2013 record: 7-6, 3-5
2014 best case: 11-2, 6-2
Closer look: Fourteen losses and counting against nationally-ranked teams. The disturbing trend must end this season and in a best-case scenario, in fact will for the Bulldogs to hit nine regular-season victories. Dan Mullen’s put together the most talented bunch he’s had in Starkville heading into fall, but road games at LSU — who the Bulldogs haven’t beaten since Les Miles’ arrival — and Alabama are almost sure losses considering recent history. The Egg Bowl’s always pivotal for both teams and since Auburn’s at home, we’ll go out on a limb and say that battle is Mississippi St.’s signature win this season.
Silver lining: A 6-2 conference finish will fall of SEC Championship Game expectations, but the Bulldogs will go bowling for a fifth straight season and should have an interesting argument in the coach of the year debate for Mullen. Eleven wins would mean Dak Prescott handles preseason pressure, is likely an All-SEC selection at season’s end and catapults himself into the SEC’s Heisman front-runner role for the 2015 campaign.