When the preseason Coaches Poll was released, Mississippi State came in at No. 18. After a strong 2017 season and with senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald leading the way, it’s easy to see why the Bulldogs are ranked among the top teams in the country.

At Mississippi State media day on Saturday, coach Joe Moorhead addressed the team’s preseason ranking and the lofty goals he has for his team entering his first season leading the Bulldogs.

“We want to be first,” Moorhead said. “Obviously, the ranking at the end of the season matters more than the ranking at first. The biggest thing is that we are not competing against an opponent. We’re competing against a standard. If our level of preparation, effort and execution has changed weekly based on who we are playing, then we are going to be in trouble. If we compete against the standard in everything that we do, then I think on a weekly basis, you’re going to see more of a consistent football team. I’m happy that we are 18; I wish we were first. But, certainly, that ranking doesn’t mean anything when we tee off.”

Mississippi State went 9-4 in 2017 and was ranked No. 19 in the final AP poll of the season and No. 20 in the final Coaches Poll.

However, getting to No. 1 would certainly be a challenge for the Bulldogs. Their schedule features tough matchups against SEC West foes Alabama and Auburn, among other conference games that could be competitive.

To hear more of Moorhead’s comments from Mississippi State media day, watch below: