2010 Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview Odds

Mississippi State Bulldogs

5-7, 6-5 ATS, 6th Place in SEC West

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +50000
Odds to Win SEC 75/1
at Bookmaker Sportsbook

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are in a world of hurt for 2010. After senior QB Tyson Lee’s dismal final season and the loss of Anthony Dixon at running back, the team enters a tough rebuilding year.

Offensive Outlook: In his final season at QB, Tyson Lee passed for four touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His replacement is likely to be junior Chris Relf. Relf completed 22 passes last year for 283 yards, five touchdowns, and three picks. He also carried the ball 76 times for 500 yards and two scores, showing that he could become a dual threat in the offensive backfield. Anthony Dixon led the team to the 9th ranked rushing offense in the nation, racking up 1,391 yards and leading the team with 12 scores. Looking to replace him are junior Robert Elliott and freshman Vick Ballard. On a high note for the Bulldogs, they do retain their top wide receiver in Chad Bumphis. With question marks surrounding the two most important spots on any team’s offense, it may be difficult for the Bulldogs to keep up with the rest of the pack in the SEC.

Defensive Outlook: The 2009 Bulldogs defense was a mediocre one. The team allowed 366 yards and 26.8 points per game, 58th and 71st in the nation respectively. A huge bright spot was freshman defensive back Cory Broomfield, who picked off six passes, putting him in a tie for fourth place in the nation. MSU will only lose a total of five seniors on its defensive roster, allowing for the youth of last year to continue gaining experience.

The Final Word: Rebuilding years are always rough, but a rebuilding year in the SEC is a whole other beast. This squad is at least one, and likely two, years away from realistically competing for the SEC West crown. However, the expected versatility of Relf could offer an exciting overall product to watch. Finishing above any team in the SEC West would be quite an accomplishment for the Bulldogs.

2010 Mississippi State Bulldogs Prediction: 4-8, 6th place in SEC West

2010 Mississippi State Bulldogs Schedule
9/4 Memphis
9/9 Auburn
9/18 @ LSU
9/25 Georgia
10/2 Alcorn State
10/9 @ Houston
10/16 @ Florida
10/23 UAB
10/30 Kentucky
11/13 @ Alabama
11/20 Arkansas
11/27 @ Mississippi