Next Saturday, Mississippi State rings in the new season as a 23.5-point road favorite over Southern Miss, finally bringing to an end eight months of anticipation.
Before we get to game week, though, let’s take a look back at some of the top developments of fall camp.
1. Shumpert taking control at running back
Josh Robinson shouldered a significant load for the Mississippi State offense last year, and his departure has many observers wondering who will fill the void in 2015.
Under Dan Mullen, the Bulldogs have cranked out a steady supply of productive backs, including four 1,000-yard rushers in six seasons — and that doesn’t count Vick Ballard’s 968-yard, 19-touchdown campaign in 2010.
A host of unproven backs are vying for work-horse rights in 2015. It appears Ashton Shumpert could emerge as the top option, though the Bulldogs keep camp info close to the vest. Shumpert took on a greater role down the stretch last season and is the most experienced of the bunch at running back.
Also keep an eye on Dontavian Lee and Aeris Williams; each could work their way into the rotation.
2. Getting healthy, staying healthy
It might sound like coachspeak, but when Mullen said the Bulldogs won their scrimmages because they didn’t sustain any injuries, it’s coming from a place of wisdom.
The Bulldogs managed to stay relatively healthy last year, and that was no small part of their 10-win season. They’re off to a good start in that regard already in 2015, and this year it’ll be even more important that the good fortune continues on that front. Because while Mississippi State returns more experience than some might think, the depth has taken a hit with the departures of last year’s seniors.
3. Offensive line coming together
Perhaps the position group most affected by roster turnover is the offensive front. Right guard Ben Beckwith, center Dillon Day and left tackle Blaine Clausell were integral to the Bulldogs’ success last season and won’t be easily replaced. However, the pieces seem to be coming together on the revamped offensive line.
One-time tight end Rufus Warren has seized the left tackle spot and appears to be ready to anchor the unit. Meanwhile, Jamaal Clayborn’s transition to center has also been a smooth one, by all accounts.
4. Manny’s back
Former rising star Manny Diaz has returned to the place where his ascent truly took off, and the Bulldogs are happy to have him back.
Diaz, who had a one-year stop in Starkville before taking off for Texas, has returned to be the Bulldogs defensive coordinator, and promises to bring with him the aggressive approach for which he’s known.
Though his tenure fizzled quickly at Texas, Diaz led an impressive turnaround of the Louisiana Tech defense last year to prove that his previous success wasn’t a fluke. He inherits a defense at Mississippi State with some big-time talent at defensive tackle and cornerback, as well as numerous other pieces that saw significant action in 2015.
5. Excitement is building in Starkville
The national pundits may not be buying into another big year from the Bulldogs, but the Mississippi State fans are stoked. They’ve already broken the record for season ticket sales, and student tickets sold out more than a week ago.
And why not?
Not only are the Bulldogs coming off a 10-win season, they’ve got the best quarterback in the conference (and arguably the best player in school history), and a coach who’s quickly climbing the school’s all-time wins list.
Plenty of reasons there to ring those cowbells.
Brent Holloway is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State.
