Power Ranking: Alabama’s Top Five 2014 SEC Opponents
By Chris Hale
Nov 17, 2012; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 45-14. Spruce DerdenUSA TODAY Sports
4. Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-6 Last Season)
There is a positive buzz in Starkville for the football season, and rightfully so. The Bulldogs are in position to make more noise than they have in quite a while. Most of those positive feelings come from Heisman hopeful Dak Prescott, who recorded 1,940 passing yards, 829 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns last season despite missing two games with an elbow injury. In addition to Prescott, the Bulldogs return eight other starters from the offense of last season.
The offense isn’t the only unit returning a lot of experience as the defense will bring back eight. That unit allowed 23 points per game and 349.3 yards per game last year. Defensive tackle Chris Jones returns with seven tackles for losses and three sacks as a freshman and looks to be set to have a great season. Also factor in returning safety Kendrick Market (62 tackles), linebacker Matthew Wells (50 tackles, 6.0 tackles for losses), with cornerbacks Taveze Calhoun (45 tackles, three interceptions) and Jamerson Love (three interceptions).
The Bulldogs will get the Tide in Tuscaloosa the week after the LSU game in Baton Rouge, which is usually a tough, close, and mentally draining game. This has hangover game written all over it.